The special evening recognised Year 6 pupils who have successfully completed the Trust's Character and Citizenship Awards programme, culminating in the prestigious Platinum Award, the highest level of achievement within the scheme.

The Trust was delighted to welcome John May CVO OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, who attended on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant and presented certificates and enamel badges to the pupils.

Pupils from seven Cambrian Learning Trust primary schools took part in the scheme: Wantage CE Primary School, Millbrook Primary School, Charlton Primary School, Thameside Primary School, St Nicholas CE Primary School, John Blandy Primary School and St James CE Primary School.

Beginning in Year one, the Character and Citizenship Awards encourage pupils to understand the positive impact they can have on the world around them. Through a series of challenges and activities, pupils develop key qualities including kindness, resilience, responsibility, leadership and service, progressing through Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards before undertaking the Platinum Award challenge in Year 6.

The programme reflects Cambrian Learning Trust's belief that every child can make a positive difference to their own life and the lives of others. Alongside academic success, the awards recognise the importance of developing character, citizenship and the wider skills that help young people flourish both in school and beyond.

Addressing the pupils, John May CVO OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, highlighted the significance of the values demonstrated by the award winners, telling them: "The sort of person you are matters every bit as much as the things you achieve."

He praised the children for trying new things, showing courage, taking responsibility and helping others, reminding them that, "You do not have to wait until you are grown up to make a difference. You make a difference now."

Paul Chadwick, Enrichment Lead for Cambrian Learning Trust, said:

"The Character and Citizenship Awards represent the very best of what education can achieve. While academic success remains important, we also want every child to develop the confidence, compassion and sense of responsibility that will help them make a positive contribution to society. The pupils receiving their Platinum Awards this evening have demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance and service to others. They should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved, and we are delighted to celebrate their success alongside their families, schools and communities.

"What makes these awards particularly special is that they begin in Key Stage 1 and encourage children to develop habits of service, leadership and citizenship over many years. The Platinum Award represents the culmination of that journey and demonstrates that these young people are already making a positive difference within their schools and communities."

The annual awards ceremony showcased the remarkable achievements of pupils from across the Trust and highlighted Cambrian Learning Trust's commitment to developing young people who are not only successful learners, but also active, responsible and caring citizens.

Sixth Form pupils from King Alfred's Academy also spoke at the ceremony, letting the year six pupils know how they can get involved in enrichment activity once they get to Secondary.

Congratulations to all of this year's Character and Citizenship Award winners.