BUSINESS leaders of the future were honoured at an inaugural awards ceremony at a Hampshire school.

Inspire Enterprise Academy in Southampton staged its first-ever gala awards event where aspiring engineers, journalists and executives were rewarded for their effort and attainment.

The school, which opened last year, held the special evening to celebrate the successes of some of its outstanding students, both past and present. 

More than 25 young people, aged 14 to 17, were presented with awards after contributing to the first chapter in the new school’s success story.

Among them was Francesca Hinwood, who took her GCSE Film Studies exam a year early aged 15 and walked away with a C grade. 

Tom Smith also picked up an award on the night after tutors were impressed with his outstanding performance in maths.

Tom, 15, is currently working with the University of Southampton’s electronics and computer science department where he is involved in advanced robotic programming.

Also honoured at the gala awards was Amy Gould, who picked up two awards, the Year 10

Employee/Work Experience Student of the Year and the overall Student of the Year special award.
Assistant principal Clare Williams said: “Amy is a model student who has gone from strength to strength working in our aspiration and supportive environment. 

“Since joining us, her academic performance and business skills have accelerated and she is fast becoming a highly employable young person.”

Executive principal Christian Down said: “Events like our gala awards are so important in giving us all a chance to stand back and take a look at the many achievements of our students, whose contribution towards the school and support of their peers goes above and beyond what is expected of them. 

“We are constantly amazed not just by their academic successes, but by their enthusiasm and professionalism.”

Based at the City College campus, Inspire is the first studio school to open in Southampton and is aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds with a focus on preparing students for the world of work. As well as studying a range of GCSE and A-level subjects, students engage in entrepreneurial activities, business visits and learn from business mentors.