Pupils saw their hard work pay off when their achievements were recognised at an awards ceremony.

The annual South West PiXL Edge Awards took place at Plympton Academy, Plymouth, celebrating the achievements of some of the young children engaged in the programme, which recognises and rewards everything that a pupil does –both inside and outside school – and is the only accredited character programme with half of all secondary schools in the country using it.

The Sir John Colfox Academy chose the first group of Year 7 pupils to complete the Apprentice Award; the first of four levels. Some activities completed by pupils this year include; regularly attending clubs, volunteering in community projects, taking on leadership roles in school and presenting at open day events.

School Edge leader, Andy David, said: “Plympton Academy were excellent hosts and we were treated to some excellent and lovely performances from an all boy dance group and musical groups from Years 8 and 9 before the certificates were presented in front of a packed audience. I was so proud that two of our students, Alfred Ross and Jade Farrington came away as regional winners.”

Out of all the schools in the South West of England, two students from the Sir John Colfox Academy, Alfred Ross and Jade Farrington, were winners in their category and received two major awards.

Alfred received the Southern Apprentice of the Year Award in recognition of his energy and commitment to all aspects of education.

Jade received the Southern Graduate of the Year Award for her significant contribution to the academy and the wider community over the past five years.

Alfred and Jade have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to the PiXL Edge programme.

Alfred who is an exceptional Edge Ambassador and the first boy to complete the Pioneer Level has presented at Academy open day events and supported other pupils by independently setting up an intervention group and working with students in his own time.

Jade is an outstanding student and has supported all Edge events in school, raised money for local charities, organised dance clubs and played a major role in performing arts projects within the Minerva Learning Trust.

Jade said “Completing the Apprentice Level was a real turning point for me, where I was beginning to be recognised for the things that I already did but no one knew about. This gave me a new found confidence to complete the Graduate and as I stand at the beginning of the challenge that is the Masters Level, I am full of optimism and determination to do well in the future”.

Colfox headteacher, David Herbert, said: “I could not be more proud of all of our students who go onto complete their Edge Accreditations at Apprentice, Pioneer, Graduate or Masters level.

“It speaks volumes about their character and commitment to activities beyond the classroom.

“That Alfred and Jade have been recognised at this regional level is really incredible for them.

“They are two very impressive young people and well deserve the recognition they have received.”