Dedicated Ark students were celebrated at an inaugural award ceremony for the Helenswood and William Parker Sports and Arts bursaries.

The ceremony was attended by Hastings MP Amber Rudd who awarded the successful students with their bursaries.

Ms Rudd said: ‘“I was delighted to be invited to present scholarships to students of Ark William Parker and Ark Helenswood following the recent launch of a new bursary programme to recognise students who show dedication in the sports and the arts.

“It was a pleasure to see the high standard of dancing and singing performed by the students and the excellent quality of the choreography.  Clearly it must have taken many hours of dedicated practice by such enthusiastic students and their teachers to achieve such stunning results.”

The afternoon was interspersed with music and dance performances from Ark Helenswood and William Parker students who showcased their talents to the audience.

Inspiring speeches from successful students highlighted how the bursaries will help them follow their passion and offered a glimpse of potential future stars.

Yvonne Powell, Executive Principal said: “It was a pleasure to be able to recognise those students who show dedication and outstanding commitment in the sports and the arts. We hope that their bursaries will help in supporting them in pursuing their dreams.”

To be eligible for an award, students had to show a dedication to their specialism and demonstrate that outstanding commitment to their school, in return their bursary will give them some financial support to help them pursue their interest.

Ark Alexandra Academy, which opens in September this year, will combine a rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on sport and the arts.

Students who received awards from the schools are: Abbey Spencer, Ellie Peacock,  Lauren Williamson, Mia Smith, Eve Brownbill, Alicia Doe, Ellie Smith. Maddie Brownbill, Sophie Playford, Saskia Guest, Emily Cannon, Mollie Matten, Louis Clark, Dylan O’Brien, Harvey Mapstone, Jamal Palmer, Alfie Peacock, Shain Barker, Ryan Burdett, Quinn Mcmanus and Jake Willard.

A parents evening for Year Six pupils interested in attending the new school will take place at the Helenswood lower school site Tuesday March 19th from 5.30-6.30pm.

Open mornings are being held at both the Helenswood lower school site, and the William Parker site on Wednesday March 20th from 9-10.30am.