Students ended the school year on a high when they were told to be 'very proud' of their achievements.

The Sir John Colfox Academy hosted its junior prize-giving ceremony for students in Years 7-9.

It was a hugely successful event with 250 students and parents attending.

The evening began with a stunning performance from the school choir, following which the recipients of various prizes were recognised for their outstanding academic ability and effort across the curriculum.

Addressing the winners, headteacher David Herbert said: "You should be very proud of your achievements. All of tonight’s winners have gone the extra mile with their approach to learning. You are setting yourselves the kinds of standards that are going to ensure you do very well in the future."

Following presentations to individual subject prize winners, the overall academic achievement prize winners were recognised for their all-round excellence.

The winners of were:

Year 7 Lily Davies, Year 8 Jessica George and Year 9 Ellie Hazle.

Special prizes were also presented to those students who had contributed the most effort to their learning over the year.

In this category, the overall winners were:

Year 7 Danielle Jones, Year 8 Lucy Best and Year 9 Hannah Erasmus.

In addition to the prize-giving, the audience also enjoyed a showcase from the Year 9 performing arts group with their piece ‘Dance through the Ages.'

Student Daisy Saint gave a speech about how her involvement in The Edge student leadership programme has enriched her school experience.

Awards were then presented to the Best Overall Edge Apprentice Boy (Bailey Prowse) and Girl (Kayleigh Marlow). Best Edge Pioneer boy was awarded to Alfred Ross and the best girl prize went to Lily Rayner.

Following a presentation about the Year 7 Talented, Able, Ambitious or Gifted (TAAG) programme, assistant headteacher Adam Teasdale awarded the best contributions to TAAG by a boy award to Charlie Symes and the best contributions by a girl to Megan Hughes.

In closing, Mr Herbert thanked the director of Key Stage 3, Carol Duffy, for organising the event and all of the staff 'for their support and encouragement of the students and for providing them with the curricular and extra-curricular opportunities that enable the students to be successful.'