Abbot’s Hill pupil Isabelle Engestrom recognised with ISA Whitbread Memorial Prize for 2021

The Independent Schools Association can now announce that Isabelle Engestrom from Abbot’s Hill School is the winner of the Whitbread Memorial Prize for 2021.

The Association’s award honours the memory of Whitbread by celebrating academic excellence in Year 11 exams, as well as outstanding contributions and service to the school and wider community.

Isabelle achieved straight 9’s in her GCSEs this summer, leaving her recognised with the ISA’s academic award for her year group and a scholarship for applying to Sixth Forms.

This award also celebrates a pupil’s contribution to the whole-school community and Isabelle demonstrated this as a part of the Abbot’s Hill Head Girl team, her role as a Prefect and as Chair of the School Council.

Isabelle also acted as a subject ambassador for Abbot’s Hill and was a member of the Chamber Choir.

The excellence didn’t stop there though… Isabelle landed remarkable equestrian honours outside of Abbot’s Hill, as she showcased her leadership skills as captain for the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships in Dressage and Combined Training.

Isabelle was selected for an international Dressage competition, finishing third individually as the UK team won the event.

Isabelle expressed her gratitude for the teachers who have offered ‘support’ and ‘encouragement’ on her journey:

“I am extremely honoured to be the 2021 winner of the Whitbread Memorial Prize. I would like to say a big thank you to the ISA for choosing me as their winner and also a huge thanks to Abbot's Hill for nominating me. I'd also like to express my gratitude to my teachers, without their support and encouragement I would not have been able to achieve so much.”

Kathryn Gorman, Headteacher of Abbot’s Hill, has described Isabelle as an ‘inspiring role model’:

“We congratulate Isabelle on this tremendous achievement. A truly inspiring role model for her peers and younger pupils alike, Isabelle’s ability to juggle competing demands on her time and her generosity of spirit have been rightly recognised here. We are absolutely delighted for her.”

We’re looking forward to Isabelle being presented with the award by our President, Lord Lexden, whenever it is safe to do so at the House of Lords.

We would like to congratulate all 28 nominees for the award, their exceptional work and commitment leaves them worthy fixtures on the Whitbread Roll of Honour.