More than 100 pupils were recognised at prize-giving day at St Edmund’s Catholic School in Old Charlton Road last week.

Guest speaker and senior improvement adviser Dave Smith, who has been working with the school after it received an inadequate Ofsted report a year ago, told the students to “treasure this moment and remember it with pride – it is your moment of success”.

Mr Smith said: “Teaching in this school has improved dramatically from when I was first involved, and this is reflected in your success.”

Some students received more than one award and there were six special awards – each being introduced individually by executive head of school Mike Wilson.

Year-nine pupil Sarah Chaplin was presented with the award for outstanding contribution to school life. She was described as a student “whose participation in all the school has to offer is second to none”.

She has recently received a Try Angle award for raising awareness of dementia in her community.

The performing arts award for excellent efforts in dance, music and drama was presented to Emily Green, in year 10.

Emily recently took part in the school production of Oliver!, for which she also acted as assistant producer.

Mr Wilson said: “Emily has proved to be a very reliable, trustworthy and talented young lady, who is a tremendous asset, not only to the performing arts departments but also to the school.”

Emily also won improvement awards in modern languages and dance.

The final awards went to four students who have shown ‘excellent’ achievement in sports.

To see the full list of prize winners, pick up a copy of this week's Mercury, out now.