Trust Schools come together to celebrate pupils’ exceptional successes
The outstanding achievements of more than 140 children and young people were celebrated last night at London South East Academies Trust’s Student Awards Evening.
The annual event brings together all the Trust’s schools, and music service, from across Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth and Surrey. Awards are presented to pupils to recognise wide ranging achievements – from attendance, progress and academic success, to sporting talent, resilience and community contributions.
Taking place at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, the glittering event included exceptional performances from Bexley Music and from the LSEAT staff choir, who gave a fantastic rendition of ‘When I Grow Up’, from Matilda the Musical.
There was also a special performance from The Twin MCs, featuring Dwaye and Noel Thomas. As well as being former members of So Solid Crew and having recently appeared on TV’s The Voice, one half of the duo, Dwayne, is also a Teaching Assistant at the Trust’s Heron Academy in Lambeth.
This year’s celebration marked the first awards evening for pupils from Bedonwell Nursery and Infant School, Bedonwell Junior School and Barrington Primary School (all in Bexley) who joined the Trust last September.
Opening the event, Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said:
“The Trust Student Awards Evening is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our year. Bringing all our schools together to celebrate the achievements of our pupils is very special for all of us.
“It’s not easy growing up in today’s world, with many children and their families facing challenges. Yet the determination and resilience we see in our pupils is inspiring and we are extremely proud of them all.
“As our Trust continues to grow, it is fantastic to see our schools working together, with shared values. Each one ensures that every child feels included and is supported to achieve to their full potential. Tonight’s celebration has captured that spirit perfectly.
“My thanks go to our staff, trustees, stakeholders and parents – we appreciate everything you do for our schools and our pupils. And a huge congratulations to all our award winners, I hope you have all enjoyed this very special event.”
Special guest The Mayor of the London Borough of Lambeth, Cllr Adrian Garden, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here to see so many children receive awards. The schools provide such a fantastic service – and without them, many children would not be able to achieve what they do. Heron Academy in my Borough of Lambeth, is an excellent example and I know the school works in great partnership with the Local Authority.
I was particularly impressed to hear that every young person leaving the Trust’s schools this year has progressed into further education, training or an apprenticeship, with 0% NEET. A big well done to them and to all the award winners tonight.”
Compèring the evening, Neil Miller, Deputy CEO of the Trust, added:
“Our Awards Evening is a true celebration of everything that makes our schools so special. Every child recognised tonight is a shining example of the talent and determination we see in our classrooms – supported by our amazing staff members who work so hard for pupils on a daily basis.
I’d like to thank our staff choir, led by Julie Stanning, for their brilliant performance and of course, Dwyane and Noel – the Twin MCs – for entertaining us all so well.
“A huge congratulations to all our winners. I look forward to seeing what you go onto achieve; you all have very bright futures ahead.”
London South East Academies Trust is a diverse 16-school Multi Academy Trust, with mainstream, special and alternative provision schools across Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth, Surrey and East Sussex. Its mission is to transform lives through the power of learning – ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive in a setting that meets their individual needs.
Here's what some of the winners and their parents had to say:
Teigan-Rae from Bromley Trust Academy (Hayes) received a Numeracy Award, recognising her resilience and growing confidence in maths. She said:
“I’m really grateful to my teachers for this award, I love them all. I am interested in a career in either construction or real estate in the future.”
Teigan-Rae’s mum added:
It’s so amazing to see how she’s grown in confidence, just look at her smile tonight!”
Quincy from Bromley Beacon Academy (Orpington) received the School Choice Award for always being willing to help his classmates. He said:
“I’m really happy and excited to get this award. I like this school much more than my old one and the best thing about it is my teachers. I want to be a footballer when I’m older.”
Quincy’s mum added:
“I am so chuffed and so proud of Quincy. This school has been amazing for him and staff are so attentive and caring. I’m over the moon!”
Zara from Belmont Academy won the Community Award for her compassion and for the time she spends fundraising for charity. She said:
“It was a bit scary to go up on stage to get my award, but really exciting! I love art and want to be an architect when I grow up, so am planning to go to university to achieve this.”
From Bedonwell Junior School, Sophie received an award for her excellent progress in Numeracy and Holly got the School Choice – Shining Star accolade for her help around the school. They said:
“It’s so nice to be here this evening and be back with all our old friends – now that we have moved onto secondary school. We are really pleased to win these awards!”
Teddy from Aspire Academy won the Numeracy Award for becoming more independent with his maths work. His mum said:
“Teddy wasn’t very confident before joining Aspire but he’s made incredible progress here – and getting this award has grown his confidence even more. This is a fantastic school, Teddy’s older brother has been here too. I’m so proud to celebrate Teddy tonight.”
Jimmy from Bromley Trust Academy received the School Choice Award for being a fantastic spokesperson and always speaking passionately about the school. He said:
"This is my second year receiving an award and I'm really proud of myself for keeping on track. My ambition is to be a CEO of a building company, so am taking GCSEs in PE, art and construction.”
Trust Schools come together to celebrate pupil exceptional successes
