Merton Council celebrated the achievements of its many young people last week at its annual Celebration of Success.

Mayor of Merton Cllr Brenda Fraser presented the certificates at the ceremony

Hosted at Ricards Lodge School, the ceremony was attended by over 60 students from the borough’s secondary and special needs schools for their individual accomplishments, personal gains and outstanding results.

Britain’s most successful female canoeist, two-time Olympian and six-times World Champion, Anna Hemmings, was guest speaker. She talked to the young people about the importance of working hard and of commitment to achieving their full potential.

Headteacher of Ricards Lodge Alison Jerrard

Students, staff and parents were joined by a number of honorary guests from Merton Council including cabinet member for education Councillor Cooper-Marbiah who opened the event, and Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser, who presented students with their certificates and prizes. Yvette Stanley, Director of Children Schools and Families, closed the evening, praising the students on their outstanding achievements and thanking the headteachers, staff and governors of the borough’s secondary and special schools for their hard work.

Cabinet member for education Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah

The audience enjoyed singing performances from Ricards Lodge School and a dance routine from Raynes Park School.

Anna Hemmings

Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “This was a wonderful event and I was very proud to present our wonderful young people with their certificates of achievement. They are a credit to their schools and families and I wish them all the very best for a bright future.”

Director of Children, Schools and Families Yvette Stanley

Director of Children, Schools and Families Yvette Stanley said: “With 92% of our schools in the borough rated as good or outstanding, Merton is the place to come for a quality education and a great start in life. We are seeing continuous improvement in our schools and whenever I meet our young people I am always impressed with the enthusiasm they put into everything they do. Their achievements are testament to their own hard work as well as that of the school staff and the families who provide great support. Congratulations to them all.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

The schools which attended the event were: Perseid School, Cricket Green School, Raynes Park High School, Ricards Lodge High School, Rutlish School, St Mark’s Church of England Academy, Harris Academy Merton, Harris Academy Morden, Ursuline High School, Wimbledon College and Melbury College.