A teenager has been rewarded for his leadership skills and for “acting as a role model” during his time as a school head of house in Barton under Needwood.

William Gray has been revealed as the 2017 winner of the Barton and Dunstall Key Trust’s annual Award for Leadership at John Taylor High School.

He received his award at a presentation evening at which the school’s outstanding pupils received their annual awards. This year, now that the school has six houses instead of four, the trust also awarded £150 to runner-up Alexander Wakefield.

Recognising the best of the school’s house leaders, the Barton and Dunstall Key Trust Award for Leadership was presented to William, the Marchington house leader, who received the key trust’s Leadership Award perpetual trophy, together with a cheque for £250. His name has now been inscribed on the trust's honours board which is displayed at the school.

Bosses at the trust said that William, who is set to read mechanical and electrical engineering at Bristol University, has demonstrated his leadership skills and maturity by sharing ideas through assemblies while acting as a role model for younger pupils to look up to and aspire to copy. Planning a career as a pilot, he has already achieved his private pilot's licence, climbed to the rank of corporal in the RAF Air Training Corps and plays for two clubs in the Derbyshire Squash league.

Runner-up Alexander, Rosliston house leader, who received £150, has an offer to read architecture at Cambridge and aspires to influence society for the better while pursuing creative endeavour. Particularly interested in politics and with a passion for art, the voracious reader and Fabian Society member plays the guitar and piano in the school orchestra.

John Taylor High School principal Mike Donoghue said: “William is a worthy winner of the Barton and Dunstall Key Trust Award for Leadership recognising the critical role our house leaders play in the vibrancy of the school and encouraging others to strive for excellence in this key attribute for their personal development.”

Adrian Wedgwood, chairman of the trust, said: “As well as recognising the school’s house leaders, the Barton and Dunstall Key Trust Leadership Award raises awareness of the trust, particularly among young people, encouraging others from our community to apply for grants of up to £500 for individuals and £10,000 for organisations.

“Details of the trust’s objectives, examples of previous grants and an application form are at www.bartondunstallkeytrust.co.uk and in Barton Library.”