The remarkable achievements of over 120 children and young people have been celebrated at London South East Academies Trust’s annual awards evening.
Taking place at Fairfield Halls in Croydon on, the event brought together the Trust’s ten schools from across Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth and Surrey, along with Bexley Music.
Warren Road Primary School, located in Orpington, joined the celebration for the first time, having joined the Trust earlier this year.
Nine pupils from each school, and five from Bexley Music, were recognised for their exceptional progress and achievements in various categories, including academic performance, attendance, resilience, sports, and community contributions. They collected their awards and certificates in front of their families, friends and teachers.
The evening featured a debut performance by the London South East Academies Trust staff choir, who performed a fantastic rendition of Lean on Me, conducted by Head of Music, Julie Stanning.
Members of Bexley Music’s Bexley Youth Orchestra, Bexley Youth Band and Little Big Band opened and closed the event, performing three pieces of music.
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, opened the event with a warm welcome, saying, “This event is such a highlight of our year. Hearing about the many achievements of our pupils and watching them receive their awards, in front of their family and friends, is very special.
“Many of our children and young people face many personal challenges. It is inspiring to see how they have overcome these with incredible resilience and determination.
“As our Trust continues to grow, with the recent addition of Warren Road Primary School and our three new primary schools in Bexley, I am incredibly proud of the work our schools are doing in their communities. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything we all do – and this has been very much reflected here tonight.
“I would like to thank our staff, trustees, stakeholders, and parents for their ongoing commitment and support – as well as congratulating every single award winner. We are incredibly proud of you all.
“This collective effort and commitment to education is fundamental to the success of our schools – both now and in the future.”
London South East Academies Trust, is a successful and diverse multi-academy trust, comprising mainstream, special, and Alternative Provision schools across the region. Its ambition is to transform lives through the power of learning, by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a setting that meets their needs.
The Trust’s current schools include: Bromley Trust Academy, Bromley Beacon Academy, Bramley Oak Academy (Guildford), Aspire Academy (Bexley), Heron Academy (Lambeth), Horizons Academy (Bexley), Endeavour Academy (Bexley), Belmont Academy (Bexley) Woodside Academy (Bexley) and Warren Road Primary School (Orpington).
Bedonewell Nursery and Infant School, Bedonwell Junior School and Barrington Primary School joined the Trust earlier this month and their pupils will be part of next year’s celebrations.
Neil Miller, Deputy CEO of London South East Academies Trust and compere for the evening, added, “I am so proud of every single pupil here and of the dedication our staff show on a daily basis.
“Our schools are truly special places, and our Awards Evening is a fitting celebration of the exceptional achievements made by our children and young people.
“The staff choir’s performance was a brilliant addition to the event – thank you to everyone who took part and to Bexley Music’s Julie Stanning for bringing it all together.
“To all our winners: keep up the fantastic work, you have extremely bright futures ahead.”
The winning pupils from the ten schools were joined by their families, guardians, friends, and teachers as they proudly collected their awards.
Hugh, 10, Aspire Academy, Community Award winner, said, “I am really happy to get my award, which was for being part of my school’s eco-committee. I want to be a comedian when I grow up.”
Sergei (10), Bromley Trust Academy Midfield, winner of the Progress Award, said, “I was really nervous going up on stage to get my award but am so happy! I love maths and want to be a teacher one day. The best thing at my school are the therapy dogs, who I love.”
Sergei’s mum added, “BTA is the best possible school for Sergei to be at. The teachers provide the perfect combination of boundaries and acceptance. They are so supportive and have a wonderful attitude.”
Khaidon (18) Bromley Beacon Academy Bromley, who has won an award every single year that the Trust Awards have been running, including the Community Award this year, said, “I am speechless to receive an award again. BBA is an amazing place and I have had a great experience here. The staff are so supportive. I’d tell any new pupils coming here that hard work pays off, and also that believe in yourself as you can achieve anything.”
Molly (10), Warren Road Primary School, who picked up the Progress Award, said, “I love history and literacy at school, as the stories are great. I would love to be an actor in the West End when I grow up. I am really proud to win this award.”
For more information about London South East Academies Trust visit: LSEAT
