STUDENTS from Kearsley Academy joined others from across the Northern Education Trust (NET) to celebrate finishing Year eight.

The ceremony mirrored those given in other educational establishments later in life, in order to give children a feel of academic graduations.

Steve West, principal of the academy, said: “It was a fantastic two days of celebration bringing together all the hard work and dedication students have already put into their studies.

"The event demonstrated everything that we stand for as an outcomes focused, child centred Academy with fantastic performances from our cheerleading squad, individual student readings and musical recitals. I would like to thank all the parents/carers who took the time to join us in this celebration.”

NET’s chief executive, Rob Tarn, added: “The graduation ceremony is a celebration of hard work, effort and commitment to learning, which all the students have shown throughout the last academic year. There have been many positive changes to school life this year and we have introduced a range of new systems, placing much greater expectations upon all students. They have responded brilliantly, and it has been a delight to watch them grow in confidence and with a sense of pride in their schools.

“Principals and staff across the Trust are to be congratulated for organising these fantastic events to recognise the achievements of every child. I believe that this is the kind of experience our young people and their parents/carers will still be talking about long into the future and it is essential for embedding a sense of aspiration and a feeling that their potential is unlimited at such an important stage in their education as they embark on KS4 studies, the next phase in their journey.”