Our annual awards evening took place here at the academy on Tuesday 12th September. It was a very special event in which we celebrated and applauded the progress and achievements of our students during the past academic year.

Our annual Awards Evening was held on the 12th September. This very special evening included stunning performances from two of our talented students Izobel Formby-Jackson and Joe Vickers and was a great opportunity to celebration and applaud the progress and achievements of our fantastic students.

Presenting the awards this year were two inspirational former students; Michael Lojko and Antony Bibby, who have both been through higher education and are enjoying success and fulfilment in their chosen careers.

Antony left the academy in 2003 after taking A-Levels in Sports Studies, English Literature/Language and Psychology. During his time with us, Antony enjoyed taking part in the many sporting teams the school had to offer. These included athletics, football and rugby. Whilst at Macmillan, Antony was fortune enough to play for England U16s in rugby as well as competing for England U17 in athletics. After leaving Macmillan, Antony went on to study at Durham University, where he gained a BA (Hons) degree in Sport, Health and Exercise. After Antony graduated, he went on to secure a Graduate Teaching Programme place with a national teacher training provider, EM Direct. He then was able to fulfil his dream of becoming a PE teacher, which he has done since 2008.

Michael was a few years behind Antony, leaving us in 2006 after taking A-Levels in ICT, Media Studies and Physics. During his time at the academy, Michael keenly participated in the studio enrichment, where he enjoyed the technical side of productions. After leaving Macmillan, Michael went on to study at Teesside University, achieving a first-class BA (Hons) degree in Software Development and winning several ExpoTees awards for his final year project. Michael then moved to Cambridge to work for a medical software company before making his breakthrough into the games industry. He is currently a Game Engine Developer working on the games RuneScape and Old School RuneScape. He also participates in BAFTA initiatives, represents the games industry as a STEM Video Games Ambassador and was given an honourable mention in the prestigious Develop 30 under 30 list.

Very well done to all those students who were presented with awards and thanks to all of those who have supported them both at home and at school.