Students' education at a revitalised academy comes to a formal close

SCHOOL leavers were urged to spread their wings and fly as their education at a revitalised academy came to a formal close.

Year 11 students joined their families, friends and staff for a special act of worship at St Aidan’s Academy, Darlington.

Principal Nicole Gibbon told them she had witnessed an incredible transformation of children into inspirational young adults.

“It’s your time,” she said. “It’s time for you to spread your wings and fly and for us to celebrate the most incredible Year 11 group I have worked with. You deserve success and I am sure you will achieve success.”

The audience enjoyed a quiz based on teachers’ school reports led by academy chaplain Martin Stand, an awards presentation and a farewell video featuring students’ pictures when they joined in Year 7.

He said: “As staff we are confident that you will be fine as you go forward imbued with the academy’s ethos of trust, faith, belief and manners.”

Students were each given a blue balloon which they released into the air in a symbolic gesture bringing their time at St Aidan’s Academy to an end.