As a very ancient course member - (let's say a single figure below 4) - I am very glad to hear that the "Top Cadet" board has gone. It did not, in the longer term, reflect actual ability / skill as a working controller on the "boards." In fact, some of the slower starters turned out to be the better controllers.
The "top cadet" board reflected a kind of thinking which existed back in the early 1960s in ATC. Up to the formation of No.1 Cadet Course the main source for recruiting ATCOs had been almost entirely ex-service (mostly RAF + some ex RN Fleet Air Arm). As a source of recruitment the services were drying up and a decision was taken to start Cadetships which, at the time, were to be 4 years long. The powers that be at the time - then known as "The Chief ATCO" etc spoke of the new cadetships as being like Officer Cadetships in the services. Hence, the idea of the "sword of honour" board. Of course, in reality, the ATCO Cadetships were nothing like officer training in the armed forces.
Anyway - sorry to bore you busy chaps! Nevertheless, it is interesting to hear that Courses No. 130 to 199 never existed!!