JACK Petchey Foundation recognises young people from Harlow for amazing achievements
(24.06.25) 119 incredible young people from schools and colleges in Harlow received their prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at two live events at Harlow Playhouse.

The live events celebrated Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 from Harlow for their contributions to their school/college or club. Winners received medallions and framed certificates from the Foundation, along with a £300 grant for them to spend to benefit their school/college or youth group.

In addition, 10 adults were awarded Leader Awards for demonstrating outstanding ability to motivate young people. They each received a medallion and a framed certificate.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has invested over £1.5m in Harlow since funding started.

Cllr Andrew Johnson, Chair of Harlow District Council, who handed out awards on the first night, said: “It was a privilege to attend the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards and to celebrate Harlow’s outstanding young people; their stories of determination, generosity and courage were inspiring. The evening was a reflection that when invest in our young people, we help shape a stronger, better future for everyone.”

Danny Crates, Former British Athlete & Paralympic Gold Medallist, who handed out awards on the second night, said: “I have had the pleasure of attending these awards for over 10 years. As always, it’s never a surprise to see what our talented younger generation are achieving. That’s exactly what the Jack Petchey awards promote.”

Here are a few inspiring stories from our Achievement Award Winners:

Gosha, 15, attends Mark Hall Academy.

Gosha won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for overcoming great adversity. Since the first day he joined the school from Ukraine, he has been a great delight. Polite and respectful, Gosha is an esteemed member of the student senior leadership team, and has supported the school in many extra-curricular aspects.

On winning the award, Gosha said: “I feel like winning awards is my biggest dream, this makes me happy and motivates me to earn even more.”

Gosha decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on fitness equipment for the PE department.

Uzoma, 12, attends Burnt Mill School.

Uzoma won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for being an exceptional representative of the school. He goes above and beyond his Library Ambassador role, providing support to the Library monitors, maintaining the Library, and helping at events. Despite being a young student, he shows an exceptional amount of awareness for all those around him and continues to support the wider school community.

On winning the award, Uzoma said: “Getting the Achievement Award felt scary. I’ve never really stood in front of that much people before but it felt good after. Thank you for giving me this award.”

Uzoma decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on a wide range of non-fiction books for the library as well as board games for lunchtime activities.

Elliot Holliland, 14, attends Sir Frederick Gibberd College.

Elliot won the Jack Petchey Environmental Award for his unmatched passion for the environment. During a collaboration with Action for Conservation, Elliott promoted a whole-school initiative to litter pick and successfully integrated it into Friday enrichment activities. On a group project to enhance green spaces in the school, Elliot collected recycled bottles and upcycled them into plant containers. He is a selfless individual with a deep care for environmental conservation.

Elliot said: “It’s not for the CV. It’s not for the application. It’s not for the status. It’s to ensure all voices are heard, to help others and to make a difference.”

Emiley, 18, attends Harlow College

Emiley won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her resilience and bravery. Despite being out of school for some time, she has demonstrated incredible passion and strength as she adapted to college and continually pushed herself out of her comfort zone. Emiley is a kind, thoughtful and caring individual who has overcome many of her difficulties. This year in particular she has taken a huge step forward with her personal relationships in college. She has truly worked hard to build on her resilience, confidence and independence.

On winning the award, Emiley said: “I have excelled thanks to Harlow College and the staff that have supported me. Thank you.”

Emiley decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on a trip with her Supported Studies.

Jack, 14, attends 7th Harlow Scout Group.

Jack won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for being an outstanding member of the Scout group. He consistently demonstrates enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to help others, embodying the Scouting values of teamwork, leadership, and service. Jack continues to make a positive impact on both his peers and the wider community.

Jack decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on a trip to Aquasplash with his Scouts peers.

Alicia, 11, attends Harlow Rock School.

Alicia won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her passion and dedication. She brings exception power to the drum kit, breaking all boundaries of being a drummer. Her stage presence amazes everyone as she holds every beat. Despite being quiet off stage, once she is behind the drum kit she showcases her talents and leads the performance.

Alicia decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on a trip to see Rock of Ages show at Harlow Playhouse.

Amelie, 15, attends Hip Hop Pop.

Amelie won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for being a hardworking and committed member of the group. Recently, her performance has soared to new heights. She’s developed an energy and joy that’s clear in her delivery and impossible to miss, inspiring everyone around her. When Amelie dances, there’s a spark that lights up the stage, filling her movements with a happiness that’s contagious. Her passion and dedication have not only raised her own performance but have also uplifted the group, making her an invaluable presence in every rehearsal and performance.

On winning the award, Amelie said: “I feel very proud that I was chosen for an Achievement Award.”

Amelie decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on two masterclasses with Breaking and Popping tutor Lindon Barr.

Josh, 24, attends Razed Roof.

Josh won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for his exceptional progress since joining Razed Roof. Despite facing challenges, over time, Josh now joins in and interact with others, participating in many of the activities. When it is too much for him, he will sit quietly and watch what others are doing. Recently he was able to join the group on a trip to a London theatre, overcoming his anxieties and he had a fabulous time!

On winning the award, Josh said: “This achievement has made me feel positive about my future.”

Josh decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on a party with his peers.

Emilia Wade, 13, attends Youth Create.

Emilia won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her kind and caring nature. Known to her peers as someone to depend on and who always cares about others. Emilia doesn’t let anything faze her, even when the group has to perform. Her confidence has grown so much and her dancing has improved since she first joined.

On winning the award, Emilia said: “When I was younger I was never the kind of person to win trophies or awards, so winning a Jack Petchey Award is really special. Youth Create helped me feel confident, make amazing friends, and believe in myself again.”

Emilia decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant towards the end of year party, including sweets and treats for her peers.

Since Sir Jack Petchey CBE set up the Foundation in 1999 to inspire, motive and celebrate the achievements of young people, over £180m has been invested in our programmes across London and Essex. This investment has directly benefitted over 1.3 million young people and thousands more have benefitted indirectly from our work.

We have awarded over 235,000 Jack Petchey Achievement Awards to recognise young people’s achievements and over 2.5m people have attended a Jack Petchey Foundation event to celebrate young people.

As Sir Jack always said: “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.”