Pupils from Bristnall Hall Academy in Sandwell, Jubilee Academy Mossley in Walsall, and Pool Hayes Academy in Willenhall, which are part of Academy Transformation Trust, received their awards at a ceremony on Thursday 8th December 2016.

Academy Transformation Trust is a not for profit trust working with primary and secondary academies and further education providers in the Midlands, East of England and South East.

Hosted by street dancers Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely from Britain’s Got Talent winners, Diversity, the ceremony brought together pupils, staff and parents from The Trust’s 22 academies to recognise and celebrate pupils’ achievements across 10 categories.

Ellie-May Simcox from Bristnall Hall Academy won the Transformational Progress award, while Francesca Barker won the Sport award.

Vincent Green, Principal at Bristnall Hall Academy, said: “Ellie-May is an independent, hardworking student who demonstrates what the academy is all about. As soon as Ellie-May enters the academy, she makes no excuses to not get fully involved in any activity on offer. Everyone at the academy is extremely proud and in awe of Ellie-May.

“What makes Francesca so special is that despite being the most able sportsperson members of staff have witnessed at Bristnall Hall, she still commits time to dancing in our mixed ability dance groups with others, supporting significantly less able students with their performances.”

Kallum Moss-Swan from Jubilee Academy Mossley received the Overcoming Adversity award, while Callum Westwood from Pool Hayes Academy was also presented with the Overcoming Adversity award.

Jennie Westley, Principal at Jubilee Academy Mossley, said: “Kallum has worked extremely hard to develop relationships with both adults and peers. He has grown so much in confidence and is becoming more independent in his learning – it is very rare to see him without a huge smile on his face.”

Luke Baker, Principal at Pool Hayes Academy, said: “During one of the most crucial years in school, Callum suffered from a burst appendix which resulted in him having emergency surgery and he was in hospital for numerous months. Although his school work was second to his health throughout his time in hospital, he persevered to complete the tasks to the best of his ability. He has now returned to school with a positive attitude and is keen to impress and crack on with work.”

Jordan and Perri from Diversity, said: “The obstacles that these pupils have overcome is so inspiring and it is an honour to reward and recognise them for their achievements across a variety of categories. Congratulations to all of the pupils for their hard work – needless to say we are very privileged to be a part of such a wonderful event!”

Ian Cleland, CEO and founder of Academy Transformation Trust, added: “Our pupils are really great and they keep surprising us with their accomplishments – we are extremely proud of them. They all show passion and enthusiasm in everything they do and our awards give us the chance to reward them for all their hard work. Congratulations to every single one of them.”