Kenilworth School & Sixth Form has been awarded the Malcolm Doolin Memorial Award for Local History Research 2024-2025, receiving national recognition and a £500 prize for its "innovative approach" to local history research.

This "remarkable" achievement, especially as first-time entrants, was praised by judges for the students' high-quality and diverse projects, involving numerous participants.

The students showcased their work to the local community during a Celebration Evening, highlighting the "transformative and educational value" of the experience.

In addition to the award, the school has been invited to attend The Western Front Association's Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in November 2025, offering a unique opportunity to honour history on a national stage.

The Malcolm Doolin Memorial Award celebrates young historians and honours Malcolm Doolin's legacy by encouraging excellence in local history research.

Kenilworth School won The Malcolm Doolin Memorial Award at the first time of asking (image via KMAT)

Kenilworth School & Sixth Form is a partner school in the Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust.

"This is an amazing achievement that students from Kenilworth School have won first place in the Malcolm Doolin award, it is the first time students have been entered in this competition and I'm sure that the research into local history that they have done will inspire them to go on to further success in their studies," Hayden Abbott, CEO Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust said.

advertisement

The History Club at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form is supervised by Mrs Aimee Palmer, history teacher.

This year's competition attracted an exceptional range of entries, reflecting thoughtful research, creativity and strong local connections to the history of the First World War.

The award is divided into two categories: Primary (ages 5-11) and Secondary (ages 11-16), with commemorative certificates and national recognition for all participating schools.

Darren Nicholas, Headteacher of Kenilworth School, added: "The students should be exceptionally proud for winning the Malcolm Doolin Memorial Award on their first entry - a true testament to their curiosity, commitment, and talent.

"Their outstanding local history research not only enriches their learning but also strengthens our connection with the wider community. Well done." 

The History Club at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form is supervised by Mrs Aimee Palmer, history teacher (image via KMAT)

"It has been an incredibly valuable and fulfilling experience for our students. It has truly captured their imaginations and allowed them to research like real historians. They have all thoroughly enjoyed it and gained so much from the process – this really is the cherry on top of a wonderful year," said Aimee Palmer.

"This has been my first year running the History Club.

advertisement

"It's something I've wanted to do for many years but hadn't known quite where to start.

"When I saw the competition advertised, I felt it offered a brilliant project to work towards – one that would nurture their love of history within an academically rigorous framework." 

Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.

Without community-minded partners like them we would not be able to bring clickbait free news to the people of Kenilworth.