Four students at OA-Thurrock have been recognised through the flagship Achievement Awards run by the Jack Petchey Foundation, celebrating outstanding young people across London and Essex.
Frankie, Mason and Jake were each nominated by both staff and fellow students, recognising their progress, positive attitudes and contribution to academy life. As Achievement Award winners, they each received a £300 grant to spend on an experience or equipment that benefits the academy.
All three students independently chose to use their funding for go-karting experiences — a popular choice that provided far more than a reward. The activity offered opportunities to build confidence, develop resilience, improve focus and decision-making, and strengthen communication skills, while celebrating their success through a positive shared experience beyond the classroom.
The Achievement Award programme recognises young people aged 11–25 across London and Essex. Our winners were invited to attend a celebratory event where they were presented with a medallion in front of family and friends.
OA-Thurrock also celebrated a milestone as Aimee became the first student from the academy to receive the Jack Petchey Environmental Award. The award recognises outstanding young people for their work raising awareness of climate issues and promoting sustainability within their local communities. Aimee earned the recognition for helping to lay the foundations for the academy’s vegetable polytunnel and flower beds, as well as planting and growing produce for use in the student kitchen. Her efforts helped cultivate beetroot, spring onions, baby tomatoes and a range of fresh herbs, creating sustainable learning opportunities for other students.
Following a successful pilot in 2022, the Environmental Award was officially launched as part of the Foundation’s Achievement Award Scheme, making Aimee’s recognition a significant moment for the academy.
Aimee is currently deciding how to use her £300 grant, and the academy looks forward to seeing how her funding will support further environmental initiatives.
These achievements highlight the positive contributions students are making across OA-Thurrock, with the awards providing opportunities to celebrate success and invest in experiences that support personal development.
Congratulations to all four students on this fantastic recognition.