The achievements of more than 60 of City College Norwich's youngest students were marked at Norwich City FC's Carrow Road stadium with an evening of celebration.
The students, who come from 23 schools across Norfolk and attend the college one or two days a week alongside their high school studies, were joined at the event on Wednesday by parents and family members, their college teachers and representatives from their high schools. The lively celebration evening featured a paparazzi-style red carpet entrance, a buffet meal in the Norfolk Lounge, a short video highlighting some of the students on pre-16 courses, and a fun photo booth.
Some of the students also spoke about how they had benefited from their college courses in hairdressing, hospitality and catering, childcare, construction and motor vehicle maintenance.
Each student received an award in recognition of their individual achievements.
The pre-16 courses at the college are designed to give students practical, work-related skills and experience that employers, colleges and universities value.
Many pre-16 students move on to full-time vocational study, apprenticeships or employment.
This year the first students have progressed from pre-16 courses to higher education with City College Norwich.
Student Conor Gordon, 13, from City Academy Norwich, who has completed a one-year construction course, said: 'It's been good. I enjoyed building brick walls and painting.
'We also learned how to work more as a team.'
Fellow City Academy Norwich student, Amy Mitchell, 15, has been on the mechanics course and is now considering progressing on to a full-time motor vehicle course at the college.
She said: 'It's been really good. I've enjoyed everything, getting on with everyone else in the class, and learning how to work on carburettors, exhaust and suspension.'
Her college lecturer, Chris Souch, added: 'Amy has done really well, she is always busy and very enthusiastic.'
Matthew Smith, 16, from Sprowston High School, who is considering a full-time college course in catering, said: 'I have worked in the kitchens at the college, cooking, baking, cleaning and also doing some serving.'
College principal Corrienne Peasgood said: 'We have seen lots of outstanding examples of progress made by students on our pre-16 courses this year, and the evening of celebration provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the students' hard work and achievements.'
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