The Skipton Academy Celebrates Record Success
The Skipton Academy celebrated its annual Awards Evening at Skipton Town Hall on Thursday 11th December, following on from the outstanding results which students received in their GSCE examinations in the summer of 2025. The event brought together students, families, staff, and community partners for an unforgettable celebration of achievement, resilience, and ambition.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride. Live music, performed by some of the school’s GCSE Music students, welcomed families into the beautifully prepared venue, setting the tone for an evening that was inspiring for all that attended. Principal Mark Cook opened the ceremony with a powerful message about perseverance and success, praising the Class of 2025 for achieving the best GCSE results in the academy’s history despite the challenges faced at the beginning of their school career relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. He described the evening as “a revitalisation of a longstanding event for The Skipton Academy, one that celebrates not only academic excellence but the character and values that define our students.”
Throughout the evening, awards were presented to students who had excelled in a wide range of areas, from leadership and community service to creativity and academic achievement. Each award reflected the school’s ethos of Belong, Challenge, Inspire, and every recipient’s story highlighted the resilience and determination that have shaped this remarkable year group.
Guests were treated to a vibrant performance from the cast of the upcoming school production of Matilda, showcasing the creativity and confidence of the academy’s students. Later, endurance athlete and motivational speaker Sam Boatwright delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging students to push beyond self-doubt and embrace the challenges that lead to growth.
One of the highlights of the evening came during the presentation of GCSE certificates to the entire cohort, a proud milestone for all students and their families. The event concluded with the prestigious Principal’s Award, which was presented to Finley Brennan for exemplifying resilience, kindness, and the academy’s core values. His achievement was met with a significant round of applause, symbolising the spirit of the evening and the pride felt across the school community.
The success of this historic event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Skipton Mechanics Institute, whose contributions funded many of the prizes presented, and the Skipton Academy PTA, whose commitment and financial assistance helped bring the evening to life. Their partnership reflects the strength of community spirit that underpins everything the academy does.
Principal Mark Cook closed the event with words that captured the significance of the occasion:
“This was more than an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of who our students are and what they can achieve. Tonight marks the beginning of a new tradition for The Skipton Academy, and we could not be prouder of the Class of 2025.”
As the lights dimmed and a video montage played, there was a shared sense of optimism and excitement for the future. The Awards Evening was not just a success, it was a defining chapter in the story of The Skipton Academy.
