Leeds Rhinos’ Jamie Peacock, captain of the Great Britain & England Rugby League teams, was guest of honour for the evening. As well as presenting awards, Jamie also addressed the audience, offering a compelling story of how hard work and a positive attitude had been fundamental to him succeeding within his sport.

The event was a celebration of students’ achievements over the academic year and included awards for excellence, progress, attendance and leadership, as well as for contributions to wider community life.

The three highest profile presentations during the ceremony were for ‘Achievement in the face of adversity’, won by Miss S Hardy, the ‘Governors’ Award for Outstanding Achievement’, won by Miss S Collins, and finally the ‘E-ACT Sponsors Award for Outstanding Achievement’ which was presented to Miss P Mbire.  The evening also hosted performances student music groups.

Principal Annette Hall was delighted to commend the efforts of her students: ‘Our results last summer rated us as one of the most improved schools in Leeds, and we look forward to another year of even more spectacular results.  This is due to the hard work, commitment and talent of our students together with the outstanding efforts from our staff.  It has been brilliant to have a public opportunity to commend students for their efforts.’

The event was a great success and will become an annual fixture in the academy calendar over the coming years. 

Leeds West Academy is expecting its best ever exam results this summer, which will add to the momentous occasion of the opening of the new £30m academy building in September 2011.