It was back to school for the Class of 2025, when they rejoined their old classmates, teachers, and governors for a Presentation Evening held to recognise and celebrate their successes.

The former Year 11 students from Springwood High School in King’s Lynn came together in the Peter Hopkins Hall for the event, where over 100 graduates were presented with their GCSE certificates, as well as additional subject prizes and school awards.

“The event took place in our newly refurbished main hall, utilising the new tiered seating, lighting, and stage to make the event particularly special for our returning students,” said Victoria Mann, who was Head of Year for the cohort.

“Celebrating the students’ success at this event were the school's Senior Leadership Team, governors, and parents, all of whom were delighted to begin the evening listening to Ethan Soong providing some wonderful, welcoming musical pieces on the piano.”

Executive Headteacher Andy Johnson was on hand to congratulate the students and present certificates and prizes, with the help of a special guest.

“We were delighted that we were also able to have Abi Pawsey join us as our guest speaker,” continued Mrs Mann.

“She currently specialises in working with children and young people as practice manager in a Child Protection Team, and talked about the journey she has made from her time studying in King’s Lynn to now, including an 11-year career in the Prison Service, holding positions from being a prison officer through to a governor at HMP Norwich; time as a charity director; and her current career in social work.

“Abi’s talk reminded students that there are many ways they can serve their community, that they cannot know where their own journey might take them, and that they will have many opportunities in the future – the key is saying ‘Yes’.”

Besides subject prizes for those deserving special recognition for their efforts and achievements in particular areas, trophies were awarded to students demonstrating key characteristics and outstanding achievement across the board at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Among the high achievers acknowledged at the ceremony were Aritra Kar and Sara Mohammed, who were named joint top performers in the year group, both having attained impressive Grade 9s across all of their chosen subjects.

Other award winners included Poppy Hayes, who received the Jessica-Mae Prior Shield for Inspirational Courage, and Jaxon Walford, who was given the Governors’ Plate for service to the school.

“Many of our students do continue into our Sixth Form on completion of their GCSEs, while others have taken on the challenge presented in different courses offered by other Key Stage 5 providers,” added Mrs Mann.

“The event serves as a wonderful opportunity to bring students back together and remind them that they remain part of our school community. It also recognises the hard work and effort that has allowed them to achieve and progress.

“I'm delighted to recognise again what an outstanding cohort of young people I have had the pleasure of working with over the last few years. They were not only academically strong, but also a demonstration of the passionate, hard-working, and caring young people that we hope leave us at the end of five years at Springwood.”