Following William’s tragic and untimely death on 28th May 2016, his parents Paul and Lesa Cross established the William Cross Prize for Politics, to be awarded annually to a Sixth Form student at Kingswood School.

The first winner of the Prize (together with a book token), at the Kingswood School Annual Prize-giving on Friday 7th July, was Jasper Davis. The citation below was read out before the Prize was awarded:

The William Cross Prize for Politics

This prize is awarded in memory of William Cross, who tragically passed away in May of last year. William was passionate about Politics, his interest extending far beyond the classroom to involvement in local campaigns and political activism. He was a student of deeply held convictions and someone who was unafraid to stand up for what he believed in, even when that meant challenging the majority view. In recognition of these qualities, William’s parents have decided to donate a prize to be awarded annually to a student whose ideals have led them to take an active role in the wider community beyond Kingswood, and whose actions stand as an example of what young people can contribute to the world of politics.