Congratulations to all of those students that received awards, certificates, tie pins and letters of commendation during our special assembly on Wednesday 2nd April.

We were delighted to be visited by our sponsor Mr Jack Petchey and some very special guests. During the day Mr Petchey planted a rose named in his honour ('rosa Jack petchey') in the grounds of the Academy.

During the Assembly the students were introduced by our Chairman of Governors Mr Andrew Billington to an organisation called 'Mercy Ships'. Lord McColl (chair) and Judy Polinhorn (Chief Executive) spoke to the students about the work they do in East Africa saving the sight of many children. Lord McColl described the cateract surgery he carries out in countries such as Liberia. In the UK this is a relatively straighforward procedure but in the countries Mercy Ships work in the lack of basic health care means that these children would remain without sight.

To find out more about the work of Mercy Ships click here.

During the assembly Lord McColl was delighted to receive a donation on behalf of Mercy Ships from the Jack Petchey Foundation for £250 000.