There were celebrations all round, when last year’s students returned to Smithdon High School for a special awards ceremony held in their honour.

Our Year 11 Prize Presentation and GCSE Certificate Evening saw the Class of 2025 joined by parents, staff, school governors, family members, and friends, as well as representatives from Hunstanton Town Council, Hunstanton Heritage Centre, the Hunstanton Lions, and members of Hunstanton and District Rotary Club – all keen to celebrate the students’ successes.

All the attending students received their GCSE exam board certificates, while there were also a number of other prizes, including 20 subject awards, which were based on nominations made by members of staff.

“It is great to have the students return to collect their awards, and for us to find out what they have moved on to do at Sixth Form, College or in Apprenticeships,” said our Headteacher, Amanda Gibbins, who presented each subject award winner with a trophy.

The occasion also saw the introduction of two new awards sponsored by Hunstanton Heritage Centre, with the first History Award going to Charlie Leverett, and the first Geography Award to Harley Stuart.

Also, new this year was a cup sponsored by the Rotary Club of King’s Lynn, which was awarded to Isabel King for Hospitality and Catering; while Marie Jarvis from Hunstanton and District Rotary Club was on hand to present Bethany Green with the Rotary Young Citizen Award, in recognition of her fundraising work.

Among the other prize winners was former Head Boy, Ethan Guymer, who was awarded the Hunstanton Lions Prize for Service to the School and its Community, with Assistant Headteacher Dan Ward making the presentation.

“It was a pleasure to work with all these students over the last few years; it is great to be here tonight to celebrate all of your successes,” said Mr Ward, who also presented a Pastoral Leader Award to Niamh O’Donnell – her second honour of the night, alongside the Halls Exhibition Foundation Endowed Prize for Mathematics.

The Mayor of Hunstanton, Councillor Cynthia Easeman, introduced the Mayor’s Award for the Smithdon Seven, sponsored by Hunstanton Town Council, which went to Ruby Chamberlain for demonstrating all aspects of the ‘Smithdon Seven’ – ‘Self-Belief’, ‘Ambition’, ‘Responsibility’, ‘Community’, ‘Prepared’, ‘Respect’ and ‘Pride’.

In addition, a number of endowed subject awards were presented across the evening, with the Connie Martin Memorial Prize for English Literature going to Thomas Mills; while the Clare Shield for English Language went to Matthew Crossman; and Amber Holness received the Clare Shield for Art.

Also receiving accolades were Reece Ward, who was given the George Raines Memorial Award for Sport by Head of PE Jamie Tilley, and Bonnie Parsons, who attained the Hunstanton Round Table Award for Physical Education.

The final awards were made by the Chair of Governors, Robert Lodge, who presented prizes for top progress and achievement, with Freddie Ince announced as having achieved the best overall results, as well as receiving the subject award for Business.

“We are so proud of all our students and their personal successes,” added Steve Chapman, Assistant Headteacher at Smithdon, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“It is so important to us to celebrate with them, and to acknowledge the accomplishments of all their hard work.”