TASKMASTER’S Alex Horne is being presented with an honorary doctorate by the University of Warwick.
The comedian, writer, and creator of the hit television show is being recognised for his efforts and commitment to fostering inclusive education. This is as a result of his instrumental support in growing the School Tasking initiative.
School Tasking is designed to encourage young minds, especially those from less advantaged privileged backgrounds, to explore and connect with the world of law. Through workshops, interactive sessions, and challenges inspired by the format spirit of Taskmaster, children are introduced to the most interesting aspects of law and compete for a place in the School Tasking Final.
Alex’s passion for education and belief in equal opportunities have led him to collaborate with the University of Warwick’s Law School to support the ground-breaking School Tasking program and in doing so, inspire a new generation of aspiring legal professionals.
Alex said: “I’m so pleased about the doctorate for several reasons – it has made my parents proud, it has made my children embarrassed, and it has made all the comedians who haven’t been awarded this sort of thing incredibly jealous.
“But mainly, I’m thrilled that the project – which I am just a very little cog in – is getting recognition.
“All the people who work on it, so much more than me, have made something creative that benefits widening access to higher education in a fun way and that can only be a good thing.”
School Tasking creator, Dr Ali Struthers, associate professor at Warwick Law School, said Alex deserved the recognition.
“School Tasking has grown from a tiny seed of an idea to make outreach more fun and engaging for primary school children local to Warwick Law School to a national competition involving 26 universities (and counting) across the UK.
“Undoubtedly, much of that success is down to Alex’s support for the project from its inception. He goes above and beyond to support School Tasking activities and to make the project that little bit more special for the children involved. They love him, we love him, and we hope that the Taskmaster will be delighted that Alex is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”
