THE academic year ended on a high point for Keighley year nine pupils with a graduation ceremony held to mark the completion of an important part of their education.

This was the second year that University Academy Keighley has held the ceremony, in which all students in year nine received confirmation that they had successfully completed their Key Stage Three courses – years seven to nine – and will now be starting Key Stage Four.

A spokesman for UAK said: "The aim is to give Key Stage Three its own identity and to encourage our students to do the very best they can by the end of their first three years at the academy.

"Bronze, silver or gold awards were presented depending on achievement, attendance, attitude to learning and conduct points, which are accumulated through involvement in extra-curricular activities or responsibilities.

"This was not only an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge achievements so far, but to mark the next step in their education.

"The next two years will require a shift in emphasis and maturity in their studies and in ways of learning.

"The graduation was as much to prepare them mentally for this as it was to celebrate.

"Parents were invited and took great pride in watching their child collect their award, dressed appropriately in mortar board.

"Our students were pleased to share the moment with their families.

"The pupils were also treated to a party afterwards where some more fun awards were issued such as ‘best hairstyle’, ‘most creative’ or ‘most likely to become a millionaire’, followed by a disco with staff joining in the fun as well."