Islington’s Jack Petchey Awards Honour 101 Inspiring Young Achievers at Assembly Hall

Key Points

• Over 100 “inspiring” young people, specifically 101 winners aged 11 to 25, received prizes for their achievements at schools and clubs during a live awards ceremony at Islington Assembly Hall.
• The event formed part of the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards, celebrating positive contributions to schools, colleges, and youth organisations in the borough.
• Each winner was awarded a medallion, a framed certificate, and a £300 grant to fund a project or resource at their school or youth group.
• Islington mayor Cllr Jason Jackson was among those who presented awards on the night.
• One winner, 18-year-old Ty from Capital City College, was recognised for his resilience and personal growth, transforming into a confident, engaged class member and positive peer influence.
• Ty utilised his £300 grant to support materials for Culture Week Celebrations at his college.
• Another winner, 16-year-old Gabriella from Islington Boat Club, received the Jack Petchey Environmental Award for her commitment to improving the local aquatic environment around City Road Basin and Regents Canal.
• Gabriella organised litter-picking sessions from paddleboards while learning to stand-up paddleboard.

IslingtonJack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards honour 101 young achievers at vibrant ceremony (North London News) February 7, 2026 – More than 100 “inspiring” young people aged 11 to 25 were celebrated at Islington Assembly Hall on 28 January 2026, receiving prestigious prizes for their outstanding contributions to schools, colleges, and youth organisations across the borough as part of the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards. The 101 winners each walked away with a medallion, a framed certificate, and a £300 grant to support projects or resources at their institutions, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to fostering positive youth impact. Islington mayor Cllr Jason Jackson joined other dignitaries in presenting the awards during the live ceremony.

The event highlighted remarkable stories of resilience, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, with standout recipients like 18-year-old Ty from Capital City College and 16-year-old Gabriella from Islington Boat Club embodying the spirit of the awards. These young achievers not only demonstrated personal growth but also leveraged their grants for broader initiatives, such as cultural celebrations and waterway clean-ups.

Who Were the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award Winners?

The Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards recognised 101 winners aged 11 to 25 for their positive contributions to schools, colleges, and youth organisations in Islington. These “inspiring” individuals were honoured at a live awards ceremony held at Islington Assembly Hall, where they received tangible rewards to further their impactful work.

Each winner was presented with a medallion, a framed certificate, and crucially, a £300 grant designed to fund a specific project or resource at their school or youth group. This financial support empowers the recipients to extend their influence, turning individual achievements into collective benefits for their communities.

Islington mayor Cllr Jason Jackson played a prominent role, personally presenting awards to several young people on the night, symbolising civic endorsement of their efforts.

What Made the Ceremony at Islington Assembly Hall Special?

The live awards ceremony at Islington Assembly Hall on 28 January 2026 transformed into a vibrant celebration of youth potential, bringing together over 100 winners, their families, educators, and local leaders. The venue, a historic landmark in the borough, provided an ideal backdrop for honouring contributions that ranged from academic excellence to community service.

As part of the broader Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards scheme, the event emphasised live presentations, ensuring each winner experienced the moment of recognition firsthand. The atmosphere buzzed with applause and pride, as medallions gleamed under the lights and certificates were framed for posterity.

The £300 grants distributed to every winner represented a practical legacy, enabling ongoing projects that promise to ripple through Islington’s educational and youth landscapes.

Why Did Ty from Capital City College Receive His Award?

Eighteen-year-old Ty from Capital City College was recognised for his extraordinary resilience and personal growth, qualities that saw him evolve from facing challenges into a confident, engaged member of his class. Through sheer determination and perseverance, Ty became a positive influence on his peers, inspiring those around him with his turnaround story.

Ty channelled his £300 Achievement Award grant towards supporting materials for Culture Week Celebrations at his college, ensuring the event could foster diversity and engagement among students. His journey exemplifies how the Jack Petchey Foundation identifies and nurtures transformative potential in young people.

Educators at Capital City College noted Ty’s shift as a testament to the power of perseverance, with his award serving as both reward and catalyst for further leadership.

How Did Gabriella from Islington Boat Club Earn the Environmental Award?

Sixteen-year-old Gabriella from Islington Boat Club clinched the Jack Petchey Environmental Award for her unwavering commitment to enhancing the local aquatic environment around City Road Basin and Regents Canal. While mastering the art of stand-up paddleboarding, she proactively organised litter-picking sessions conducted directly from paddleboards, merging sport with environmental action.

Gabriella’s initiative addressed tangible issues like waterway pollution, mobilising peers to clean up debris that threatens Islington’s scenic canals. Her hands-on approach not only beautified the area but also raised awareness about sustainable practices among youth.

The award underscores the foundation’s dedication to specialised accolades, such as the Environmental Award, which spotlight eco-conscious efforts amid growing urban environmental challenges.

What Role Did Islington Mayor Cllr Jason Jackson Play?

Islington mayor Cllr Jason Jackson was prominently involved, presenting awards to winners throughout the evening at Islington Assembly Hall. His participation lent official weight to the proceedings, bridging local government with grassroots youth achievements.

Cllr Jackson’s presence highlighted the borough’s support for initiatives like the Jack Petchey Foundation Awards, reinforcing messages of encouragement to the 101 recipients. As a key figure on stage, he interacted directly with the young honourees, amplifying the ceremony’s inspirational tone.

His involvement signals a broader civic endorsement, positioning the awards as a cornerstone of Islington’s youth development strategy.

Which Specific Rewards Did Winners Receive?

Every one of the 101 winners departed with a bespoke medallion, symbolising their unique achievement, alongside a framed certificate for formal recognition. The cornerstone reward, however, was the £300 grant, tailored to fund projects or resources at their schools or youth groups.

These grants empower recipients like Ty and Gabriella to action their visions, whether procuring materials for cultural events or equipping clean-up drives. The tangible benefits ensure the awards’ impact endures beyond the ceremony.

The package reflects the Jack Petchey Foundation’s holistic approach, blending prestige with practical support.

How Does the Jack Petchey Foundation Support Islington Youth?

The Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards form a key pillar in celebrating positive contributions to Islington’s schools, colleges, and youth organisations. By honouring 101 individuals on 28 January 2026, the foundation spotlighted diverse achievements, from personal resilience to environmental activism.

Grants of £300 per winner enable sustained projects, fostering a cycle of inspiration and action within the borough. The live ceremony at Islington Assembly Hall maximises visibility and motivation.

This annual event cements the foundation’s role as a vital partner in youth empowerment across North London.

What Impact Have Past Winners Made in Their Communities?

Winners like Ty have leveraged their awards to enhance college life, funding Culture Week materials that promote inclusivity at Capital City College. Gabriella’s environmental efforts have directly improved City Road Basin and Regents Canal through organised paddleboard litter picks at Islington Boat Club.

These stories illustrate how the £300 grants translate personal accolades into community gains, from cultural enrichment to ecological health. The ripple effect strengthens school and club ecosystems.

Such outcomes validate the awards’ design, turning individual triumphs into shared progress.

Why Are Events Like This Crucial for Young People Aged 11 to 25?

For 101 young people aged 11 to 25, the Jack Petchey Foundation Awards provide validation and resources at pivotal life stages. Recognition from figures like Cllr Jason Jackson boosts confidence, much like Ty’s transformation into a peer leader.

The £300 grants offer agency, enabling initiatives that build skills and networks. Gabriella’s canal clean-ups demonstrate real-world application.

In Islington’s dynamic borough, such ceremonies counteract challenges, nurturing the next generation of contributors.

When and Where Was the Ceremony Held?

The awards ceremony unfolded on 28 January 2026 at Islington Assembly Hall, a fitting venue for honouring 101 winners. This date marked a highlight in the borough’s calendar, drawing families and officials alike.

The live format ensured an immersive experience, with presentations unfolding in real time. Islington Assembly Hall’s grandeur elevated the occasion.

This precise timing and location optimised attendance and impact.

Who Organises the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards?

The Jack Petchey Foundation spearheads the Achievement Awards, targeting positive youth contributions in areas like Islington. Their model integrates medallions, certificates, and £300 grants for tangible follow-through.

Local delivery involves partnerships with schools, colleges, and clubs, culminating in events like the 28 January 2026 ceremony. Islington mayor Cllr Jason Jackson’s role exemplifies collaborative execution.