Orwell Park pupil wins national photography award

One of our pupils has been recognised on the national stage after receiving a prestigious photography award announced this week.

Somerset has been named the winner of the Khadija Saye Photography Award, part of the Boarding Schools’ Association Supporting Excellence Awards. The award honours the memory of Khadija Saye, a gifted young British-Gambian artist and former boarding pupil who tragically lost her life in the Grenfell Tower disaster at just 24. Saye was celebrated for her powerful photographic work exploring identity, heritage and spirituality, and the award bearing her name recognises young people who show the same spark of creativity, courage and originality.

Somerset’s winning portfolio brought together a striking collection of images exploring a range of environments and perspectives. From tranquil coastal reflections to vibrant city scenes, the work demonstrated a confident eye for composition and a natural curiosity about the world. The images moved fluidly between light, texture and atmosphere, offering a thoughtful and personal interpretation of each setting.

This achievement reflects the spirit of discovery at the heart of life at Orwell Park. Pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, take creative risks and develop their own voice, supported by a broad and imaginative curriculum.

Speaking about the award, Somerset said: “I enjoyed experimenting with different places and styles, and finding ways to capture each moment in a way that felt interesting. It’s exciting to have my work recognised like this.”

Our Head, Simon O’Malley, added: “I am thrilled for Somerset and delighted to see this level of creative exploration and individuality recognised nationally. At Orwell Park, we place great importance on giving pupils the confidence to express themselves and to pursue their interests with curiosity and purpose. This is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of that ethos.”

The Khadija Saye Photography Award highlights the importance of storytelling through visual art and provides a platform for young people to share their perspectives. For Orwell Park, Somerset’s success is a further example of how a supportive community and an openness to exploration enable pupils to flourish both creatively and personally.

Examples of Somerset’s photography will be on display at our open morning this Saturday 9th May.