Thomas Pearce from St David's College named winner of Lexden Prize 2024
As we welcome a new academic year, we also mark the celebration of the Lexden Prize 2024 winner: Thomas Pearce from St David’s College (North Area).
The Lexden Prize, named in honour of our Honorary President, Lord Lexden, celebrates excellence from Sixth Form students at ISA Members’ schools. Achievements can be in any aspect of school or community life and are not limited to academics.
After achieving outstanding results in his GCSEs Thomas’ journey goes further than academic success. Despite medical issues and missing months of school over the years due to numerous medical procedures and appointments, Thomas continues to be a shining beacon of resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. Within his school community, he has been involved in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, STEM projects, School Ambassador and much more. He has become an integral part of his school community by attending the chess club to help guide and teach the younger students or championing school house competitions such as the swimming gala and cross country.
Thomas believes that teamwork activities and giving back to his community bring out the best in people, and he certainly takes any chance offered to him. Building on this, he advocates supporting and mentoring young people to nurture and bolster their self-confidence. After achieving a black belt in Karate and kickboxing, after twelve years of training, he is honoured to be tutoring other children.
Sporting endeavours are not the only area Thomas excels in. He is also an advanced pianist and takes every opportunity to play at major school events. Music compositions of his own creation were used to introduce online assemblies during the pandemic. A favourite of his was a piece named ‘Keep Walking’ to celebrate the life of Sir Captain Tom.
Pride for Thomas can be felt throughout St David’s College with his Headmaster commenting:
“In my 32 years of teaching, I have not met a student who exemplifies what this award encompasses more than Thomas. He has inspired me, his teachers and his peers to go faster, higher and longer and he has moved us to tears with his never give up attitude.”
A love of science can be seen through his studies and interests at school, but also his activities outside of school. Thomas was asked to speak at the European Symposium on Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology in 2023 in front of over 100 surgeons. If this weren’t impressive enough, he was subsequently asked to be a guest speaker for the 10th Cleft and Craniofacial course for junior doctors at Alder Hey Hospital and invited to an NHS panel as a patient representative for children with complex surgical procedures. This has led to further NHS advocacy and patient representative roles.
On a wider community level, Thomas has also volunteered at a local group for young adults with communication difficulties. Supporting children with issues he has experienced has given him the confidence and motivation to pursue medicine. He currently volunteers every Saturday at a local care home.
Thomas embodies the spirit of service who never lets his medical situation define him but instead drives him forward as he is forever inspired to strive for greatness. He works tirelessly with his community and peers to create a better future. While he is currently studying biology, chemistry, physics and maths at A level he aims to go forward and study medicine.
The Lexden Prize is an impressive achievement for all who have ever been nominated. It is an honour to recognise our pupil’s outstanding achievements moulding them into well-rounded young people in society. Contributing positively to their school and the wider world around them. Each nominee can be seen on the Lexden Prize Roll of Honour, which can be viewed here.
ISA President Lord Lexden will host Thomas at the House of Lords later this year to present him with his trophy, certificate and prize.