ANOTHER phenomenal year in sport and leadership is being celebrated at the Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport.

A huge number of students have taken advantage of the wide range of after-school sports clubs on offer, from netball and rugby to cricket and table tennis. These activities can only be run with the help of staff in the department, who generously give up their time to encourage pupils on the sporting path.

The academy’s tradition of developing leaders in sport and working closely with local primary schools has continued. Mrs Fairley has been instrumental in running these development programmes, where Colfox students work with younger pupils to lead events and share their skills. These opportunities are vital in setting a fantastic example for the upcoming generations and helping older students develop valuable strengths for further education and working life.

This is the final year that the programme will be led by Irene Fairley as she heads into retirement, and the academy would like to extend its gratitude for all the work Mrs Fairley has done over the past seven years.

A sports presentation evening took place to honour several students who have performed particularly strongly throughout the year.

In Year Seven, Maisy Herbert and Jonny Styrin were named sportswoman and sportsman respectively, while in Year Eight the accolades went to Isla Hutchins and Charlie Symes. In Year Nine, Ellie Donoghue scooped sportswoman of the year, while Own Pitcher was awarded sportsman. Maisie Hansford was named sportswoman of Year 10, and Tom Kilcoyne sportsman of Year 11.

Lily Rayner received an award for young leader, while Katie Evans and Mannie Wellman were recognised for their achievements outside school, for athletics and golf respectively. Maddie Sharwood received the fair play award, while team of the year went to the junior boys cross country.

The award for overall sportsperson went to Fin Cauldwell for his outstanding contribution to school sport.

Adam Shelley, headteacher of Colfox Academy, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to see so many students being awarded in such a variety of sports. I am so proud of them all.

“They make Colfox the place it is. Colfox students excel in any sport they compete in and we look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Alongside the various fixtures that were played throughout the year, the school ran various trips to sporting events, educating students in elite level sports. Excursions included watching tennis at Wimbledon and cricket at the Ageas Bowl in Hampshire.

The Sir John Colfox Academy would like to congratulate all presentation winners and thank their supporters, Freshwater Caravan Park, Mac Building Contractors Ltd, Darren Poole, AJ Wakely & Sons, Top Gear, Cresta Leisure and Bridmet, for generously sponsoring the different awards.