PROUD parents watched on as students received awards in an evening of celebration.

On July 17 Testbourne Community School held its inaugural prize giving ceremony at Winchester Guildhall.

Over 145 students received accolades in the company of staff, guests and fellow pupils on what was said to be “a fantastic evening of celebration”.

Bella Voce provided musical entertainment during the ceremony, while Jean Thorpe, secondary school improvement manager for Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Service, as the guest speaker.

Associate assistant headteacher Ryan Lester said: “Jean gave a really thought-provoking speech which encouraged us all to be kind, try something new and act with integrity.

“Students in each year group received awards for effort and achievement across all subjects. Our Heads of Year also presented awards to their year groups to recognise their learning qualities of courage, integrity, ambition, respect, leadership and responsibility.”

Senior Leadership Team Awards went to students who showed exemplary effort and behaviour, who are “fantastic ambassadors”, and trophies were presented to recipients of the overall subject awards which recognised students who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment.

Students in each year group received awards for effort and achievement across all subjects.

The school’s heads of year also presented awards to their year groups to recognise learning qualities of courage, integrity, ambition, respect, leadership and responsibility.

The evening concluded with three “very deserving recipients” getting one of the special awards. Year 7 pupil Aliya Briggs was presented the Governors’ Award, while Year 10 student Joe Baron was given the Community Award, and Jack Lee Smith was presented with the Headteacher’s Award by Jon Beck.

“Congratulations to all our award winners and thank you to everyone who celebrated with us and made it such a successful evening. We are looking forward to Prize Giving 2020 already,” Mr Lester added.

The school has thanked the event sponsors.