Follow your dreams, says Olympian Kelly
THE stars came out for The Grange School’s class of 2016 gathering to celebrate their five years at the school.
Last year’s GCSE students were treated to a glittering ceremony with music, lights and special guest Team GB Olympic 400m relay bronze medalwinning sprinter.
A Grange spokesman said the event was a reward for the students’ ‘outstanding’ work in their time at the school.
Prizes for individual excellence were presented to students including the Progress Leader Award for Rhys Johnson, who achieved 14 GCSEs at grades A*-B, and the Headteacher’s Award for Hannah Ward.
The spokesman added that there was plenty to celebrate following this year’s GCSE results and praise from the education watchdog Ofsted, which said that the school’s leadership had turned around The Grange’s performance and made ‘significant improvements in teaching, learning and learners’ outcomes’.
Inspectors graded the school as ‘requires improvement’ overall when it inspected it earlier this year but noted progress in the right direction.
Janette Vincent, head teacher, paid tribute to this year’s GCSE group’s results. ●
She said: “Some of you achieved your aspirational target and many of exceeded your own expectations.
“More than 99% of learners have achieved a qualification this year, which is fantastic.
“Many of our learners have also achieved A*s and A grades.
“People may think you have achieved these grades because you are naturally talented and intelligent but it is more than this. It is also due to the incredible amount of hard work you have put in and the support you have received from your teachers, parents and guardians.”
She added: “You have been a wonderful year group and real credit to our school.
“We now wish you the very best as you set out on the next step of your journey.”
Kelly Massey, 31 , who was part of the bronze-winning 400m relay team in this year’s Rio Olympics and at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, revealed that she had had to overcome injury to make it onto the Team GB squad.
She said: “Don’t be the one to not take that chance on your dreams.
“Always try your best to get where you want to be and really go for it. Don’t be the one ● ● who is sat at home and regretting the things they haven’t done.”
Rhys Johnson, who is now studying A-levels, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at The Grange.
“The teachers have been so supportive and have helped me to get the results I wanted. I am very happy to have won an award.”
Budding entrepreneur Hannah Ward said: “I hope to start my own business after I finish college and The Grange has given me the skills and confidence I need to go forward.”