Taskmaster gets an honorary degree for backing schools project

Alex Horne is to receive an honorary doctorate from Warwick University.

The degree recognises his support for School Tasking, created at the university to put Taskmaster-style challenges into classrooms. It has now grown  into a national competition which will take place across 26 British universities from September.

Horne said: ‘I’ve seen some other comedians get this sort of an honour and have always been envious of the accolade and clothing. So I’m genuinely very grateful to Warwick University for thinking my nonsense means I should also now get a new gown and some extra letters.

‘Also, the Taskmaster Education team really do deserve all the praise for the work they do to give kids rewarding and enjoyable experiences, so I’m absolutely representing them both here and in all things from now on.’

Alex was nominated by Warwick Law School’s Ali Struthers, creator of School Tasking.

She said: ‘Alex has been a huge supporter of School Tasking from its inception, taking time out of his busy schedule to create videos that the children adore and to chat with the finalists in a live Q&A.

‘He is generous, down-to-earth, and always willing to go out of his way to make others feel like they are important and valued.

‘It’s wonderful that Alex’s contribution to the Warwick community and beyond through School Tasking is being recognised with this doctorate – we’ll just have to wait and see if his promotion from "Little" to "Dr" is acknowledged by the Taskmaster…'

School Tasking teaches Year 5 pupils about interesting aspects of the law through the challenges set by the project.

Published: 9 Aug 2023