Kasom Shah inspires Blessed Trinity's Class of 2025

Last year’s Year 11s were presented with their GCSE certificates as well as special awards and prizes.

Kasom, now 24, talked about his journey since he finished at school.

Kasom said: “I just want to say life is bumpy and you need to remember your family, your friendships, and teachers to support you through this.

“I was here seven or eight years ago and it was all about football for me from age 13-18. I got a scholarship at Accrington Stanley, I was on the bench for a League One game, and then I didn’t get a professional contract and was released. It was everything I had worked on, gone in a second.

“But I used the skills I learnt at school and went to University to study a Sports Science degree and then went back to Accrington Stanley as Head of Education and Player Care after being a teacher for a few years.

“However, just four months after I got that job, the Academy closed and I was left thinking again about what I could do as life goes up and down.

“Now eight months later, I am working with Blackburn Rovers first team as a Player Care Officer.

“It’s about being resilient and having the passion and inspiration to go again when things go against you. As one door closes, another opens and it’s about taking your opportunities and believing in yourself and also leaning on your family and teachers if you need them.”

Subject awards were presented to pupils who had done exceptionally well in a particular subject, nominated by their teachers. This may have been their high grades, the passion they showed for the subject or their consistently hard work.

The KSC Awards for outstanding GCSE results were presented to 20 pupils.

The Attainment Award was given to Louka-May Payne who achieved the best grades in school, including three Grade 9s and four Grade 8s.

The Achievement/Progress Award was awarded to Molly Porter, a pupil who made the most progress across her five years at Blessed Trinity.

The College Trophies were also presented.

Former Head Boy Jayden Culshaw received the Contribution to Community Award while Molly Porter was given the Contribution to College Life trophy for her work on the school council and at charity events.

Connor Brogan was given the Specialist College Sports Award for his outstanding contribution in PE.

Molly Porter received the Specialist College Humanities Award for her Grade 9s and 8s in Humanities subjects.

The Bishop Casartelli Award for Contribution to College Faith Life was given to Maisie Heuer for participating in liturgical and charitable work in school.

The Endeavour Award was presented to Aston Knight for striving to achieve his potential with honesty and humour.

The Sporting Commitment Award was given to Finley Townley; the Design and Technology Award was presented to Owen Ellison and the Hospitality and Catering Award was awarded to Corey Hill.

Headteacher Deborah Williamson said: “It brings me so much pride to welcome last year’s Year 11s back to school and find out how they are all doing.

“They showed hard work, resilience and determination throughout their five years at Blessed Trinity.

“They achieved remarkable results and that was a stepping stone to their next stage in life and I am sure they will continue to shine, whatever path they choose.”