(From left) Ian Pearce, Connie Saunders and Jack Gillam, winners of the Jenkins Award, and Geraint Jenkins MBE.  Photo by Neil Hadrill.

On Thursday 30th January de Stafford School welcomed back the Class of 2013 to celebrate their successes and the school's best ever GCSE results. During the evening of music and celebration, the students received their certificates from a very special guest, Mr Ian Pearce.

Ian is a former professional footballer who played for many premiership teams including Chelsea and Blackburn. The students were delighted to receive their awards from such a prestigious guest. Ian then gave an inspirational speech about his career and how you can achieve if you put your mind to it.

The students were amazed to hear that Ian was a former Oxted school student; the vote of thanks at the end of the evening raised some smiles as students presented him with a de Stafford tie! The school also had their very own celebrity Mr Geraint Jenkins MBE who was very proud to be introducing a new award, the 'Jenkins Award' which he presented to two students who were recognised as making an extra special contribution during their time at the school.

Mr Jenkins was very touched to yet again have a part of de Stafford named after him, in recognition of his good work in the school over many many years. The two students who received the Jenkins Award were Connie Saunders and Jack Gillam, both active members of their school community and excellent ambassadors for de Stafford.

The evening was hosted by head teacher Mr Jeremy Garner who was thrilled so many past students came to receive their awards. Mr Garner also gave special recognition to 16 current year 11 students for their effort and attainment.