THE spotlight shone brightly on Furness Academy's stars at the annual prizegiving.

Cliff Robson, Managing Director of BAE's submarines division was among the VIPs as the school celebrated the achievement of its pupils.

The school handed out certificates and prizes to the leavers, who have all been making their mark in their chosen fields.

Headteacher Simon Laheney said: "This event was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of our students. We took the time to reflect upon the ethos and character that binds our school community together and that these students contributed to and embodied during their time with us.

"Schools which celebrate success together in every sphere will get more from their students, who will be prepared to take risks, confront failure and ultimately excel. This evening is an example of this.

"And whilst I am really proud of all that our students and staff achieve together, it is the manner in which they do so that impresses me the most, blending an adventurous spirit with competitive drive and a compassionate heart.

"It has been another fantastic year at Furness Academy. In every direction we look, our students have excelled and the most important thing to me is that it is not just the super talented elite performers but a multitude of individuals and teams who have risen to new heights of achievement, and for that, I could not be prouder."

Major Awards

The BAE Systems Award for Excellence - Loren Hutton

The Furness Academy Award for Outstanding Performance in Public Examinations - Milly McKinnell

The Lord Hutton Award for Resilience and Ambition - Jessica Mann-Butterfield, Emmanuel Iroanya

Subject Specific Awards

Drama Award for excellent attainment - Courtney King

English Language Award for attainment - Jacob Currie

English Literature Award for attainment - James McKenna

Engineering Award for outstanding effort across the subject and always aiming to achieve her best - Courtney Mould

Geography Award for excellent effort during the course - Eden Haughin

Modern Foreign Languages Award for consistent high attainment, accuracy and flair - Cleo Chaloner

History Award for exceptional high attainment and achieving a grade 9 - Joshua I’Anson

The Headteacher’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to Academy Life - Milly McKinnell, James McKenna

Student Voice Award for Contributions to the Local and Wider Community - Emily Milburn

The Furness Academy Prize for Five Years Unbroken Attendance - Jack Curtis, Jacob McCully, Ethan Petcher

University of Cumbria Award for Endeavour - Elizabeth Doughty

Commitment to School Sports and Outstanding Performance and Achievement - Morgan Burgess, Harvey Burns

Outstanding Performance in Science, Technical, Engineering and Mathematical Subjects - Owen Wilson