Celebration marks start of new year

First day back was different for students at Waltham Toll Bar Academy – they packed into Grimsby Auditorium for the first ever whole school assembly.

More than 2,000 young people and staff travelled to the Cromwell Road venue to reinforce the opportunities available at one of the country's largest schools.

Principal Nigel Whittle said the academy had a "pioneering history" and the ambitious undertaking made a statement at the beginning of the new academic year.

"This is the first ever assembly with all the year groups together," he said in his address.

"The new start brings so many possibilities and opportunities for you and I hope you take every one that comes your way.

"I would like to welcome Year 7. I know a first day at secondary school can be worrying but I hope today is a very exciting start to your five or seven years of education at Waltham Toll Bar."

For Year 11, it was the start of their final year of GCSE study and he wished them good luck.

The school had a tremendous history.

"It has always been pioneering in education, often with the best results in the area, and always prepared to do something new and innovative. Today continues that tradition."

Mr Whittle thanked individuals for their long service and staff for their dedication.

"It is all part of this special and enduring school community and we should all be very proud of being part of it."

Before he spoke, the audience were treated to extracts from Matilda the Musical, the first of the school's new annual performances which played to sold out audiences at the Parkway Cinema and Theatre in Cleethorpes last term.

Staff and students had given up their last day of the summer break to rehearse at the venue.

Co-Director of Arts at the Academy, Gemma Carter, thanked the performers for their dedication and announced next year's show would be another musical, Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Auditions will take place next week.

Mr Whittle said Matilda had been a "fantastic example" of the opportunities available at the school.

"We have more than 60 extra-curricular enrichment after-school clubs for you to join and enjoy.

"All this alongside the high academic standards Waltham Toll Bar is committed to.

"You are part of an ambitious school. We will all do our best when we work together and support each other."

Assistant Principal Ollie Fothergill, who helped organise the event, thanked the staff team for their support in pulling it all together.

Introducing the event, he said: "We are a community of more than 2,000 people and the one thing that unites us all is Waltham Toll Bar Academy.

"We are a school of excellence, ambition and opportunity.

"I can't say how proud I am to stand here today and be part of that community."

Martin Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, responsible for the school, handed out awards to students who had gone "above and beyond", earning hundreds of achievement points, last academic year.

There was also an introduction to the Student Leadership Team.

Awards

Chief Executive Officer Award:

Anderson Charles (7D), Ashton Board (8G), Ava Robertson (7D), Bailey-Jay Bennett (7D), Calvin Harvey (7G), Emily Wright (7G), Evan Wilson (7D), Freya Donner (8H), George Broadhurst (7D), George Cook (7G), Hetal Stani (7G), Kian Larkin (7G), Leo White (7G), Lily Stennett (8D), Lucas Philips (7D), Mila North (7F), Nikitha Yaddehige (7D), Oliver Marks (7G), Pippa Maddison (7G), William Skivington (7F) and Ella McGovern (7F).

Third highest in year group:

Ilyn Lin (10A), Maddielynn Smith (9K), Lily Stennett (8D), Pippa Maddison (7G).

Second highest in year group:

Cole Jervis (10H), Isla Brewitt (9I), Freya Donner (8H), Emily Wright (7G).

Highest in year group:

Matilda Cuthbert (10B), Archie Smith (9I), Ashton Board (8G), Olivia Gibson (7G).