Mr Blanchenot was delighted to award four incredibly inspiring students the JTMAT Exceptional Achievement Award, at this morning’s online celebration.
The JTMAT Exceptional Achievement Award is a prestigious accolade led by Mr Donoghue, JTMAT CEO, to showcase all the remarkable individuals that we have across all the schools within the JTMAT. Nominations were put through a rigorous selection process to ensure all the criteria for the award it met. Mr Donoghue said ‘these awards are a milestone within the journey, not a destination.’
During the ceremony, the nominees were presented with a certificate and prestigious gold pin badge by Mr Blanchenot. Well done to Jacob H in Year 10, Abigail S in Year 13 and Eryn S in Year 7. Pearl K-D in Year 11 was also presented a Headteacher’s Award for her incredible achievement.
Here are the nominations:
Jacob H in Year 10 – Category: National or International Status in any given activity in the last 18 months
Jacob is a testament to resilience. He has demonstrated remarkable commitment, having dedicated 11 years to the sport of judo and has now achieved BJC National success. Starting at the age of four, he developed a profound understanding of technical Judo and the core values of respect and discipline. Despite this long journey, his path was not without hurdles. Following a necessary break from formal training during the pandemic, Jacob faced the daunting task of rebuilding fitness, technical sharpness, and confidence to compete at a national level. What makes this achievement truly deserving of recognition is not just the gold medal, but the “comeback” story behind it. Returning to the mat, he showed immense maturity, overcoming the mental and physical setbacks of a prolonged absence to train harder than ever. Jacob is driven to keep going and is aiming to take on International Competitions next. Well done Jacob.
Abigail S in Year 13 – Grade 8 or above/ Diploma in music or singing
Abigail has achieved exceptional results in her recent music exams where she attained a 95/100 mark in her inter foundation exam, and a distinction in her Grade 8 musical theatre exam. Abigail’s dedication and passion for music is inspiring. Her work ethic has proved successful in both her musical performances and her school work as she attains Grades B to A*. Abigail always strives to achieve personal excellence and her perseverance is paying off. Well done Abigail.
Eryn S in Year 7 – National or International status in any given activity in the last 18 months
Eryn represented JTHS at the National Schools Equestrian Association National finals in the restricted section of the Prelim Dressage championships at Hickstead on May 23rd 2026.
Eryn had to qualify for these national championships by winning the county qualifier class. There is only one county qualifier competition so a one hit wonder to get the qualification. This class is open to any rider and horse combination that have not won points at affiliated Novice level (the level above the one she competed in). Entries are taken from any age student and so Eryn has competed against students up to the age of 18yrs. She was one of the youngest in the class.
Eryn is the first student for JTHS to qualify for the National County Dressage finals and to hold the title of Staffordshire County Champion in Prelim dressage. At the National Championships she came 16th in her class receiving very positive comments from the judge about her perseverance as her pony was a bit uncooperative in some movements of the test. For a pupil of Eryn’s age to achieve being placed in the top 20 in the country is an exceptional achievement.
Pearl K-D in Year 11 – Headteacher Award
Back in October 2025, Pearl was inaugurated as the Young Poet Laureate 25/26 for Staffordshire County Council. At a special poetry evening held at Stafford Library, Pearl was honoured with the prestigious role after being selected from a nominated group of talented young writers.
This one-year tenure offers an opportunity to bring new ideas for raising the profile of poetry amongst children & young people across Staffordshire, while be mentored and supported by the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Scarlett Ward. Pearl’s keen interest in literature and poetry is reflected in her work, expressing an enthusiasm for exploring the hidden meanings behind words and why the writer has used them. As part of Pearl’s tenure, she has been commissioned to write poetry for a variety of events, often performing her work in person. She has been invited to perform at the upcoming Staffordshire YFT Book Award ceremony, alongside best-selling children’s authors Ross Welford and A J Clack.
During this, the National Year of Reading, we are proud of Pearl’s achievements and to have her as a part of the John Taylor High School community.
Congratulations to everyone on their achievements!
