A school has celebrated more than 100 students achieving either their Bronze or Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The awards were presented during a celebration at Beacon Academy in Crowborough, recognising students who completed the programme during the 2024-25 academic year.
The event was attended by Andrew Blackman, the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, who congratulated students for their efforts.
Mr Blackman said: "It was a great pleasure to attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ceremony at Beacon Academy and to celebrate the impressive achievements of the students who have completed their Bronze and Silver Awards.
"Their determination, enthusiasm and resilience are truly commendable.
"The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme provides experiences that build confidence, character, and leadership, and it was inspiring to see how fully the students have embraced those opportunities.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to all the Award recipients and my sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers whose dedication makes the programme possible."
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The celebration also featured speeches from Crowborough town mayor, Cllr Natalie Whittle, and Cerys Martin, a UK Youth Ambassador for the DofE who began her journey at Beacon Academy.
Cllr Whittle said: "I was delighted to be part of such a wonderful celebration of the achievements of these magnificent students.
"Volunteering is a keystone in the hard work accomplished by these young people and speaks to the heart of the shared goals and values that lie at the core of the D of E Award.
"Congratulations to these young people and vote of thanks to all those that have supported them on their journey."
Students contributed hundreds of hours of volunteering in and around Crowborough and the wider local community, supporting charities, care settings, sports clubs, local events, youth organisations and environmental projects as part of the Award.
Keith Slattery, headteacher at Beacon Academy, said: "The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Beacon continues to grow year on year, and we are proud to remain one of the largest Licensed Organisations delivering the Award in East Sussex."
The school looks forward to supporting its next Bronze, Silver and Gold cohorts throughout their 2025-26 expeditions and volunteering placements.
