A SCHOOL'S prize giving ceremony was a 'celebration of student achievement in a very difficult year'.

The awards were awarded to students in years 11 to 13 at the Sir John Colfox Academy in an event before the Christmas holidays.

The ceremony took place during the school day with students from each year group bubble receiving their awards in a Covid-secure manner.

Staff said it was important the ceremony went ahead considering what everyone had been through this year.

Unfortunately, the school could not invite parents of students or students who left to go to university last year – but awards were posted to those that could not attend.

Student achievement is celebrated in individual subjects as well as some special awards for individual achievement.

These include the headteacher’s award for progress (Abigail Rees); award for best overall performance at GCSE by a boy (Walter Tait) and for best overall performance at GCSE by a girl (Hannah Erasmus). Award for contribution to the school and community went to Eddie Rose in Year 10, Hannah Erasmus in Year 11 and Rosie Howell in the Sixth Form. The Sir John Colfox award for excellence for best overall performance by a boy at A level was awarded to Archie Dunbar and for best overall performance by a girl to Chloe Robinson. The Governor’s award for progress in the 6th form was awarded to Maddie Gerrard.

Headteacher Adam Shelley said “We have such a lot to celebrate at Colfox with some fantastic A level and GCSE results last year and overall progress made by students.

"This has been a difficult and challenging year for all of the school community. It is even more important this year that we celebrate student successes, even though we have had to do it in a different way."

Mr Shelley added: "I would like to thank all the students, parents carers and staff for everything they have achieved this year in spite of the pandemic. Everyone deserves an award this year for sheer determination and grit.”