There is a truly international feel to Keswick School which is also reflected in it being the language hub for the North West.
Addressing trustees, governors, staff and parents at the 43rd annual prize giving, head teacher Simon Jackson said that as one of 30 state boarding schools, Keswick welcomes students with UK citizenship from all over the world.
“This expands the horizons of our students and adds to the richness of our school,” said Mr Jackson, adding. “Currently we have students from Namibia, the Middle East, Brazil, Kuala Lumpur, Vienna, Tanzania and Malawi to name just a few.”
He said that as the language hub for the North West of England, staff were “particularly delighted” that of 145 students who took a modern foreign language, 60 per cent of students studying French achieved grades 7-9 and 37 per cent of students studying German achieved the same standard, including 16 grade 9s.
“This will compare favourably with some of the best selective and independent schools in the country,” he said.
Mr Jackson pointed out that the last academic year had been punctuated with two Ofsted inspections in boarding and the school.
“I am extremely grateful for all the support and feedback we have received from parents and students and it was lovely to be recognised as ‘outstanding’ in both inspections,” he said, adding: “This has been a real team effort and reflects the quality and calibre of our students, staff and school.
“However, there is no room for complacency and we continue to evolve in a creative way adopting useful aspects of artificial intelligence, developing adaptive teaching techniques and building on our successful reading strategies.”
Mr Jackson described the school’s A-level results as once again being excellent.
“Virtually every student secured entry onto the university or apprenticeship course of their choice,” he said.
“We are proud of our sixth form. Students join from across Cumbria, settle quickly, form good friendships and are great role models for our younger students.”
He added: “Year 11 also reaped the rewards of their labour. The GCSE results were the best that we have ever achieved, with 90 per cent of all the grades awarded at grade 4 or higher.
“Ninety-three per cent of all the grades awarded in English and maths were at this standard which will once again place the school as one of the very best in the North of England.”
Mr Jackson said that people often ask: “What makes Keswick School such a special place?” He said: “The answer is two-fold: a strong school community, centred on care and support, as well as a healthy dose of friendly competition between students, and the commitment of a dedicated team of specialist staff.”
The guest speaker was Marykate Monaghan, a former Keswick School student who left in 2015. Marykate is a project advisor for youth and disarmament with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), supporting its youth engagement and empowerment activities since April 2021.
Marykate also works on the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament Training Programme and has previously led the Leaders to the Future series, engaging a global cohort of more than 50 young leaders on topics related to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.
She has spoken at numerous events held at UN headquarters located in New York and Vienna, including on the margins of the UN General Assembly First Committee and the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
At the end of this month Marykate will transfer to the Geneva branch at the UN office for disarmament affairs, where she will work as an associate political affairs officer.
Marykate has a Master of Letters in counterterrorism and political violence studies and a Master of Arts in international relations from the University of St Andrews.
She described Keswick School as being a launchpad of great wonder. “It instils core principles such as integrity, respect, empathy, and team work.
“Studying under Skiddaw, we are inspired to look to the hills and not be intimidated by the climb. As you embark on your next phase – be it your second, fourth or final term, or as you begin further education or employment – continue with these values, and you will go far.”
She added that staff at the United Nations often end their remarks with quotes and she wanted to continue that tradition with one from a late friend and former teacher, Neil Hadfield, who passed away a few years ago.
“I remember being in his office, meeting to discuss my plans for university,” she said. “I told him of my desire to study at the University of St Andrews – he said this was very ambitious.
“When he saw that I was taken aback, he reassured me ‘that this is not a bad thing’. Be ambitious and remain true to yourself. Success will find you in all its forms.”
“He was a Middlesbrough football fan, so I didn’t quite believe him at the time. But now, I echo his words with you all here today, especially our prize-winners.”
