The Townsend Warner History Prize motivates many of our top historians to read more, think more, and learn more History. They enjoy having a focused reason for finding out more about the past in their spare time. The Prize helps broaden pupils’ horizons in understanding what a wide-ranging and fascinating subject History is, and the annual competition raises the profile of History within the school community. 

Preparing for the Townsend-Warner I learnt much more about great swathes of history, but the most important thing it taught me was the importance of arguing clearly and concisely, instead of merely attempting to show off. Winning it, however, was rather gratifying.

I’ve been involved with the Townsend Warner competition for many years now although we have only started to take part more recently. It is a super challenge to extend our more able children but also suits the passionate historian – not unusual amongst twelve and thirteen year old children.

The first round encourages a wider knowledge of history; the second round extends children further with more advanced skills. Our children have really enjoyed taking part and one or two have made it a particular focus of theirs.

The boys eagerly await the results of the prize each year. It’s a great chance to test their knowledge and find out if they know their Hastings from their Henry VIII

Every year our boys really enjoy taking part in the competition and it is a badge of honour to be chosen to participate. The combination of the two papers allows pupils to demonstrate their knowledge of British and world history, as well as to focus on specific areas of history that are of interest to them. These are often historical themes and events which, due to the constraints of a syllabus, are not always covered in lessons. Most importantly it encourages great enthusiasm for the subject and any prize or commendation awarded is warmly applauded at prize giving. Long may the Townsend-Warner continue.

The Townsend-Warner History Prize provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to display their general historical knowledge and explore particular interests. We regularly have large numbers keen to sit the Papers and pupils await the results of both rounds with tremendous anticipation.

It is a cleverly devised competition where individual performance is celebrated but every boy also contributes to the whole school’s result. The competition is the pinnacle of the History Department’s year and certainly enhances our curriculum.