Former students whose GCSE learning was disrupted by the Covid lockdown returned to their school to pick up awards congratulating them for their achievements in the face of adversity.

The teenagers, who left Shirebrook Academy in the summer, joined students from across the school’s other year groups for its annual Celebration of Success evening, which recognised youngsters for their academic excellence as well as their contributions to school and community life.

Among the awards, which were presented by presented by Shirebrook poet and playwright Kevin Fegan, was the Principal’s Award, which was given to Megan Shortt for picking up eight grade 9s and one grade 8 in her GCSEs during the summer.

Another highlight was the James Daniels Award for exceptional dedication to music, which went to singer-songwriter River Hopkins, whose song about Mansfield went viral on YouTube two years ago.

The Governors’ Award went to Joshua Browne for making exceptional progress through his schooling, while the school’s Community Service Award was given to a group of students who designed and built a notice board for Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook.

The school also made history by awarding its ACET Award, which is given by the trust which runs the school, to two winners — Amy Clements and Kelsey Hind, for showing fortitude in overcoming different but equally difficult barriers over a number of years to become remarkable, successful and confident young women.

Both students left the academy in the summer, with Amy attending Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield, and Kelsey having enrolled at the Confetti, Institute of Creative Technologies, Nottingham.

Amy picked up the award having overcome her shyness and lack of self-confidence, which was holding her back from asking questions in class and hampering her studies.

After she received disappointing results in her mock exams, she resolved to overcome her fears of talking to teachers in front of her peers, and as a result her studies improved and she eventually got the grades she needed for her Level 3 diploma in tourism and events management course.

Kelsey, who is studying a BTEC Level 3 in music songwriting and performance, earned her award after impressing school staff with the way in which she overcame mental health challenges brought on by remote learning, mainly by playing her guitar through the darkest days.

School principal Mark Cottingham said: “Every year the awards honour students who are high achievers or who gain grades or accomplishments that exceed expectations, and this year the difficulties meant that there were very many candidates who overcame challenges to excel in their studies.

“Everyone who came on to the stage was a worthy winner, but there is no doubt that Kelsey and Amy deserved enormous credit.”

TOP: From left, Mark Cottingham, principal of Shirebrook Academy; student Joshua Browne, who picked up the Governor’s Award; and Shirebrook poet and playwright Kevin Fegan.