Pupils graduate at Sunderland secondary school

Red House Academy Y8 to Y9 graduation students with principal Joan Kennady.

A graduation ceremony, complete with cap and gowns, was held to celebrate the Year 8 students at Red House Academy.

Mirroring the same type of ceremony that is now taking place in higher education establishments up and down the country, the young people wore caps and gowns and were presented with scrolled certificates by principals and other senior leaders from across the Northern Education Trust, which the academy is part of.

Red House Academy pupils during their Y8 to Y9 graduation.

Joan Kennedy, principal at Red House Academy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that so many Year 8 students have graduated.

“It was a truly special event for all involved – a highlight of the year.

“I would like to thank so many parents/carers for supporting this event and for their ongoing support as we work together to drive up standards at Northern Education Trust Red House Academy.”

The trust’s ten secondary academies have all been taking part in graduation ceremonies to celebrate their hard work, effort and commitment during the last academic year.

And, with the ceremonies that have taken place, more than 1,500 Year 8 students have had their first taste of what it is like to graduate and experience a sense of pride in their achievements.

Each academy put its own special stamp on their celebration event to reflect the activities taking place within individual schools.

After colour co-ordinated ceremonies featuring balloons and pennants in the trust’s purple, students enjoyed refreshments with their parents and carers, creating a series of often emotional as well as highly memorable events for staff and guests alike.

Chief executive of NET, Rob Tarn, said memories such as these will stay with the young people throughout their lives.

Red House Academy pupils make their way into the hall.

He said: “The graduation ceremony is a celebration of hard work, effort and commitment to learning, which all the students have shown throughout the last academic year.

“There have been many positive changes to school life this year and we have introduced a range of new systems, placing much greater expectations upon all students. They have responded brilliantly, and it has been a delight to watch them grow in confidence and with a sense of pride in their schools.”