STUDENTS from Ryde Academy are celebrating a number of triumphs at the Festival of Remarkable Lives, run by Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).

The festival — recognising all aspects of what it means to be remarkable — is designed to celebrate the previous year’s achievements and is integral to the trust’s ethos of inspiring pupils to live a remarkable life.

The Ryde Academy students beat stiff competition from around the country, winning awards for dance, creative digital media, art, and drama – best direction.

Joy Ballard, headteacher, said: “We are so proud of our students for their fantastic achievements. Winning four separate competitions really is remarkable and shows how much talent we have across the school.

"I am delighted so many Ryde Academy students were able to showcase their abilities and I am so proud of them all."

The event was hosted by CBBC presenters Sam and Mark, while MPs and DofE ministers left messages of support, as did celebrities including Emma Bunton, David Walliams and John Hegley.

Julian Drinkall, chief executive of AET, said: “The festival celebrates all aspects of what makes our students remarkable, and it is wonderful to see the variety of different performances and projects on show.

"Many congratulations to the pupils from Ryde Academy for their fantastic achievements against some very stiff competition.

“Our mission at AET is to inspire young people to go on and lead a remarkable life, and it is clear this is happening at Ryde Academy. Well done to all of these students on their success.”