The day Priory went to Westminster

Four Year 9 Penwortham Priory Academy pupils were part of history as they attended the celebration of life for Professor Stephen Hawking at Westminster Abbey.

His ashes were interred at Scientists’ Corner alongside Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin and four Priory pupils along with science teacher Ms Young were lucky enough to be at the service.

May, Miya, Verity and Colin were chosen as they have all just taken their Astronomy GCSE – the youngest in Priory’s history to take the exam.

The Hawkings family wanted 1,000 members of the public to attend the service and opened a ballot. 

There was a separate ballot for schools as they particularly wanted to give pupils chance to attend - and these four Priory pupils were selected.

“It was a huge honour being there,” said Colin. “It was emotional but it was also to celebrate his life so it was positive as well. It’s something I will never forget.”