Schools in Abingdon and Wantage enjoyed busy ends to the school year with awards ceremonies, sports days and celebrations.

Pupils and students from the Vale Academy Trust’s nine schools in the towns took part in various events at the end of the summer term.

Primary school pupils enjoyed events such as the Vale Academy Trust Olympics and a Character and Citizenship Awards Ceremony.

St James C of E Primary School's Platinum Character and Citizenship Award winnersSt James C of E Primary School's Platinum Character and Citizenship Award winners (Image: Vale Academy Trust)

Elizabeth Paris, deputy lieutenant of Oxfordshire, presented 57 Year 6 pupils with certificates and badges, assisted by Dr Beth Taylor, chair of the trust’s board of trustees.

Five pupils took to the stage in front of an audience of nearly 200, speaking about what their participation in the award has meant to them.

Hazel Pittard, director of education at the trust, said: "We are delighted with the success and growth of the awards, now in their second year.

Thameside Primary School pupils at the Vale Academy Trust OlympicsThameside Primary School pupils at the Vale Academy Trust Olympics (Image: Vale Academy Trust)

"All pupils are successfully working their way through the Bronze, Silver and Gold stages, with more than ever achieving their Platinum.

"It’s encouraging to see how the recognition and reward for developing good character is helping to embed these behaviours and that pupils are indeed showing themselves to be responsible future citizens.”

Other activities included an Olympics event which saw 300 Year 5 pupils compete in various athletic and fun events.

Split into Brazil, Jamaica, France and USA teams, they were joined by Year 7 and 8s.