The Cryptian 2024-2025

BURSARY AWARDS 2025

This being my first year as chair of the Bursary Trustees, I was excited to be involved in the preparation and distribution of the awards. My part in the preparation was to rubber stamp the nominations from the school, everything else was taken care of admirably by Louise Price at school and Clive Thomas as our Treasurer. Suffice to say, everything went smoothly once I realised I didn’t have much to do.

The distribution of the awards happens at school with all the awardees invited to lunch. We had a good showing from the Bursary Trustees; Clive Thomas, Richard Briggs and Richard Browning joining me. It is a really lovely chance to spend time with some of the exceptional pupils from the school across all the years and to hear about their achievements and interests.

It also gave us as Old Cryptians an opportunity to share our career paths and to show how circumstances and choices made through life have opened up unexpected and unplanned opportunities

KS4 Academic

Max Yates (Y10)

Max has constantly worked hard during his time at The Crypt and his contribution in Year 10 is no exception. A dedicated and focused student Max has excelled academically. A true gentleman, he is considerate of others, whilst working collaboratively to achieve success. It is the hope that the bursary will enable Max to deepen his academic progress and allow him to purchase items to support his academic studies.

KS3 Academic

Reuben Lomaz Aspden (Y9)

Reuben is an exceptional mathematician, often finding a unique way to solve problems and was a key member in the Team Maths Challenge competition, coming second. In English, Reuben articulates himself in a mature manner, often taking debate to a higher level, and produces thorough written responses and analysis of texts. Across other areas of the curriculum, he has a strong knowledge and understanding of each subject and is extremely inquisitive, conscientious and enthusiastic.

Outside of lessons, Reuben joins in an incredible number of extra curricular activities, including recently starting an Environment Club as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, absolutely making the most of the opportunities available to him.

Reuben is a very likeable, humble, kind and well respected pupil who thoroughly deserves this award.

Computer Science/AI

Liam Page (Y12)

Liam has had an outstanding year in the 6th form so far, excelling academically in computer science and consistently demonstrating a deep understanding of complex concepts. His confidence and dedication have made him a standout student, and he sets a high standard for himself and his peers, through both his work ethic and positive attitude. Liam is widely respected by his teachers for his maturity, initiative, and leadership, making him a true role model within the school community. Liam has been an ambassador for computer science all through GCSE and this has now progressed into his A level studies. I couldn't think of a more deserving student.

Sports Awards (2)

Sophie Cornish (Y11)

Sophie started playing Netball in primary school and joined Hucclecote netball club. In Year 8 she joined the satellite U13 and then went on to play for Hucclecote regional decision 1 team in Year 9. Sophie then trialled for the Severn stars U18 Nova academy and was successful at just 14 years old. In Year 10 Sophie then won the Gloucester League Division 1 with Hucclecote and continued to shine in the Nova academy. In Y11 she then got into the Birmingham Panthers ETP U18. Sophie’s netball success at school has also been a huge success. In Y9 they won the netball county competition, in Y10 they won again and reached the semi finals in the national cup and finally in Y11 again won the county competition for a third time and reached the semi finals in the national cup. All whilst showing excellent leadership as school captain and captain of the Birmingham Panthers ETP U18.

James Arminio (Y12)

James Armino grew up playing team sports but always knew he was quick. It wasn't until fairly recently he decided to sprint seriously. Since then James has been selected to represent Gloucestershire at the South West Schools Championships in summer 2024, where he made the finals and began training with Justin Smith, at SpeedProjectTraining. After a few months of focused work, he entered his first race as a full-time athlete: the 60 metres at Loughborough. In that debut, he qualified for the England Athletics U20 Indoor Championships in Sheffield. He also competed at the South West Indoor Championships in Cardiff, winning gold in the U20 category at just 16 years old. This strong indoor season set him up for his first outdoor campaign. James opened with a 10.71 personal best in the 100m in London, then lowered it to 10.64 just weeks later, only 0.14 seconds off the U20 European Championships qualifying standard. That time ranked him 10th in the U20s for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the time of writing. In the 200m, he clocked a wind-assisted 21.31.

Discretionary Award

The Bursary is always keen to hear from anyone connected with the school who would like to propose a potential recipient of a bursary. The Trustees consider all applications and this year we are very pleased to have heard from Old Cryptian Kevin Bendall who has nominated a member of his chess club - the Wootton Hall Chess Club - for consideration. Having read Kev’s citation and other communications, it was really a very simple decision to give Zack Norris an award and we wish him great success with his chess endeavours. I am sure you will agree that Zack’s achievements to date (outlined below) are very impressive and make him a very worthy candidate.

Chess

Zack Norris (Y7)

Zack began his chess career at local club Wotton Hall in December 2022, and he managed to win on his debut at the age of 9. Wotton Hall is the top club in the Gloucestershire Chess League and also play in the 4NCL where top teams from around the UK compete. Zack’s progress has been staggering and he now plays on the higher boards for the club. At Junior Age level, Zack was a two-time winner of the Gloucestershire Primary School Championship and also won events at Maidenhead, Wimbledon, Bristol and Swindon. Zack was selected for the South-West England team against Wales, winning all 4 of his games.

These successes attracted national interest and Zack is a member of both the England EPSCA and ECF Junior squads. He made his England debut in March this year in an international tournament in York, winning 5 out of 5 to win an individual award. In his first year at Crypt, Zack has won the school chess competition.

In May this year Zack won his biggest tournament to date, winning the 55th Cotswold Congress Open Competition, playing in the highest section against adults from around