HIGH-ACHIEVING students were celebrated as a Darlington school held its annual senior awards ceremony.

Pupils, parents, staff and governors from Polam Hall School celebrated the wide range of academic and personal achievements of senior school students.

The vice chairman of governors, Dr Julian Wright, a lecturer of history at Durham University, presented the successful students with their prizes.

The awards ceremony was particularly noteworthy as it was the last to take place before Polam Hall’s transition to a free school in September 2015, a point Dr Wright was keen to emphasise during his speech.

He said: “At Polam Hall, we believe in nurturing creativity, confidence and compassion within our students.

“All of these aspects help create a well rounded person, so that when a pupil leaves Polam they are prepared for the outside world – be it employment or higher education.”

Those in attendance were also treated to musical performances from Emily Hartley and head student Chelsea Morison, both of whom took home awards.

As a free school, Polam Hall will be open to day and boarding pupils from across Darlington and the wider community.

It will continue to place emphasis on smaller class sizes, pastoral care and community work.

Polam Hall will be holding an open evening for potential sixth formers on November 4.

For more information, visit polamhall.com