Yesterday we held our annual Stars of St Edmund’s event.

The Stars of St Edmund’s event is the highlight of our academic year when students receive certificates and awards for their hard work during the previous year.

Our Principal Speaker was the Honourable Doctor Stuart Lawrence, youth engagement specialist, coach, public speaker and consultant. His previous roles include 20 years of teaching in a secondary school and, more notably, working for the Home Office and HMP Belmarsh.

In his talk to the students, he spoke of his past, his life and his family. He told the students his favourite saying was “hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard”. This inspired the students to continue working hard on their goals. His words about health and sleep showed the students that they must prioritise their health to achieve their goals. Following this he spoke about his books and the impact one individual can have on the world. He asked the students to raise their hands if they would say “I am a revolutionary”. To this St Edmund’s would say #IAmARevolutionary.

Thank you Honourable Doctor Stuart Lawrence for your inspirational talk.

Our musical item was ‘What a Beautiful Name It Is’ performed by Dumebi Umensofor and Stella Ojo.

The award presentations were started with the celebration of our previous Year 11 and 13 students on the completion of their GCSE, BTEC and A Level results. This was followed by the recognition of the students who have achieved a CARE award, with 9 students achieving Platinum Level. The students who achieved their Duke of Edinburgh were then congratulated on their success.

Curriculum Area Awards were given to those students who had made an outstanding achievement or contribution in specific subject areas. Congratulations to all who achieved a Curriculum Area Award!

the Principal Awards were given to students who excelled in different areas of academy life. The seven awards include those who have achieved outstanding results in English, Mathematics, GCSE/BTEC and A Levels, contribution to environmental welfare, contribution to academy life, and overcoming adversity. The winners of these awards were well deserved and it was great to see their achievements recognised by the whole school.

The Staff of St Edmund’s Star Achievement Awards went to Miss Mann, Miss Dell, Miss Blanchette and Ms Alsop.

Congratulations to all the award winners.

Thank you to all our guests, staff and students who attended this great event, you made it truly special. We look forward to next year when we can celebrate again.