Northern Education Trust’s secondary academies in Blyth and Ryton celebrate the achievements of their Year 8 students in moving graduation ceremonies.

Year 8 students in The Blyth Academy and Thorp Academy have been taking part in emotional graduation ceremonies to celebrate their hard work and commitment during the last two academic years. The ceremonies give students their first experience of what it feels like to graduate, which the Trust hopes will enable them to have a sense of pride in their achievements so far, and raise their aspirations to continue their hard work into their GCSE years.

The Year 8 students wore caps and gowns, and walked in emotional processions through their schools to enthusiastic applause from students in other years, who lined the corridors as a ‘guard of honour’. The processions ended in the main halls, where they were met with more applause by proud parents, carers and family members.

Students were presented with scrolled certificates by the Principals (Donna Park at The Blyth Academy and Karen Hailes at Thorp Academy), and enjoyed refreshments with their families afterwards.

Rob Tarn, Chief Executive of Northern Education Trust, said: “The graduation ceremonies recognise the achievements of every child, and create memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. We want the young people in our care to feel a sense of pride and celebration of their achievements so far, and also aspiration – that their potential is unlimited as they embark on the next critical phase of their educational journey, and the outcomes we focus on so stridently. I’d like to thank the staff for their fantastic efforts in creating these memorable events, as well as all the families who attended the ceremonies to support their children”.