The Awards Assembly planned for 30 March had to be cancelled due to the closure of the school on 20 March in line with government advice. JTYAF was able to get the cheques and certificates out to the students just before the school closed its doors.

Charity trustee Peter Thornton said, “The FUS applications this year were impressive and we were delighted to award six scholarships and 34 bursaries, which totalled over £17,000.

“No less than three GB athletes received scholarships to support their training and development. A triathlete, a netball player and a cyclist, all training with the GB squads for their respective sports. A music scholarship was awarded to a gifted musician, which will contribute towards an acoustic drum kit, enabling him to develop his talents further.  Another talented musician was supported with the equipment that she needed to pursue her passion in music and improve the quality of her performance. A PADI Open Water Course will also support a photographer to move towards achieving his ambition of studying the oceans and helping to protect the environment.”

Bursary awards ranged from funding for Motocross boots and helmet, supporting a young man in his attempt to qualify for the National Championships, through to funding the cost of a ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ history trip. Eight students received a contribution towards the cost of their World Challenge Community Project to Vietnam and Laos and four had funding to help with the cost of an Intensive Spanish Course in Alicante. These trips are now in doubt, but it is hoped they will be rearranged. Students taking A-Level and GCSE Photography made successful applications for cameras, printers and lenses, and two students aiming to follow careers in Fashion and Design received funding for sewing machines.

The assembly planned for 30 March had been scheduled to coincide with the 12th anniversary of John Thornton’s tragic death in Afghanistan in 2008, and would have been a poignant tribute to him as a former pupil.