The Mountbatten School celebrated “A Night of Stars” with the annual certificate presentation evening. Executive headteacher, Heather McIlory welcomed parents, governors, VIPs and special guest, Sean Conway before delivering a glowing tribute to the Class of 2014.

Mrs McIlroy highlighted the exceptional behaviour of the year group and their achievements out of the classroom – they were involved in Rock Challenge, the Basketball District finals and the national finals for Music for Youth in Birmingham. Eighty-five of the students returned after their exams to take part in the National Citizens Service (NCS) along with 700 other students.

Through NCS, 22,000 hours of volunteering were delivered and £46,000 raised for charity. Mrs McIlroy commented: ‘They really were a year group of stars who were not afraid to try new things. Young people of integrity and that is what makes me so proud of them.”

Ben Parry, the former Head of Year to the class of 2014 delivered a speech that was both funny and moving, commenting: ‘I have an overwhelming sense of pride in the young adults you have become. You started as a blank canvas and grew into a masterpiece and, on behalf of The Mountbatten School, I thank you for every moment.”

Amidst cheers, the GCSE certificates and awards were presented by guest speaker, Sean Conway who then brought the evening to a close with tales of his career change from photographer to adventurer.

Sean swam from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a wet suit, with a small crew on a small boat over 135 days. Sean challenged the Class of 2014 to push the bar up a little bit higher and have belief in their ideas. On behalf of the Student Body, House Captain, Daanyal Khan thanked Sean for his inspiring speech.