The awards seek to recognise Old Citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to society through their voluntary service, academic achievements or professional success, or whose behaviour and values inspire others – in short, alumni who embody the School’s ethos of producing young people who are kind, aware and ready to go out into the world and make a difference for good.
Enduring Influence Award
Finalists: Novelist Julian Barnes (Class of 1964), Charity CEO Gavin Kibble MBE (Class of 1981) and interfaith advocate Zaki Cooper (Class of 1995).
Awarded to: Julian Barnes (Class of 1964)
Julian Barnes stands among the most distinctive and influential literary voices of the last half‑century. His lifelong commitment to scholarship, critical inquiry, and thoughtful engagement spans novels, essays, memoirs, and criticism – demonstrating intellectual spirit and a determination to explore complex truths. Barnes encourages readers to think deeply about memory, history, love, and the human condition.
Julian’s writing often confronts difficult themes such as grief, ageing, and the unreliability of memory, revealing a writer unafraid of emotional and philosophical depth. His international recognition, including the Man Booker Prize, highlights his enduring impact on literature.
Barnes remains an inspiring example to pupils, showing how a CLS education paired with curiosity and courage can create a lifetime of influence and achievement.
“In my first term at CLS, we were given Julius Caesar to read. To my surprise, I found that a) I could more or less understand it, and b) it seemed to have an exciting plot, with scenes of enjoyable violence. Perhaps great literature wasn’t offputting? Later, I read modern languages – French and German, and then Russian (which had been added to the syllabus a year or two previously), and was introduced to samples of their respective literatures. I discovered that great books cross frontiers with no more than a brief flip of the passport; that we share many thoughts and passions with people far away; and that the best art, even when local, can be international. And that these now firm beliefs began early for me, at CLS.”
Julian Barnes will be celebrated at school on 1 June at lunchtime, with an interview conducted by a pupil. Old Citizens are welcome to attend though spaces will be limited. Old Citizens should register their interest in attending here.
Emerging Talent Award
Finalists: Research scientist Dr Norris Igbineweka (Class of 2005), AI entrepreneur Alexander Kardos-Nyheim (Class of 2018) and refugee support charity founder Moses Seitler (Class of 2014).
Awarded to: Dr Norris Igbineweka (Class of 2005)
Dr Norris Igbineweka is a leading haematologist, scientist, and mentor whose journey, from Peckham council estates to internationally recognised researcher, embodies resilience, compassion, and academic excellence. He specialises in red-blood-cell disorders and is completing a PhD in molecular haematology at Imperial College London with Oxford, focusing on gene-editing approaches to undiagnosed blood conditions. Norris contributes to an international study on the safety of gene therapy for sickle-cell disease and has recently joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a Haematology Physician. His research spans space microgravity-based studies, gene-environment interactions, and foetal-haemoglobin regulation, with publications in leading journals. He has received major grants and awards, including a BSH Early Investigator Grant, an ASH Achievement Award, and a Fulbright Scholarship. He regularly mentors students and published the Handbook of Sickle Cell Disease to support clinicians worldwide. Norris devised ‘Basics in Haematology’, a course aimed at medical students and junior doctors to remove apprehension when dealing with haematological based patient scenarios. The course is now run annually by the British Society for Haematology. Norris is also founder of nonprofit ‘The Physician Scientist’ which aims to teach research skills for a new generation of investigative minds from all backgrounds.
“This win means a great deal. Pupils, you can certainly achieve anything you set your mind on. If you have passion for something, take time to learn it. The road to success is never easy, it is full of hard knocks. But if you remain tenacious, humble, and persevere, these traits can be transformed to discipline and character required to fuel your success. In addition, don’t just think of yourself, think of others. Be kind to one another as this completes the circle of life. No matter how intelligent you think you are, no human is an island, you will eventually need someone. Finally, be thankful to your parents, staff at City and any mentors, for the time they dedicate to your nurture. The future is there for you today, so go get it!”
Norris will be coming in to school to deliver a lecture on his research to pupils in the summer term..
Old Citizens are also welcome to attend. To be notified of the date email development@cityoflondonschool.org.uk
