An 'A' grade student has criticised his old school for showing what he claimed was 'a lack of respect' after cancelling an awards ceremony for former pupils.

The annual event which recognises the achievements of Stalham High School Year 11 leavers was set to be held earlier this month.

But ex-students were asked to collect their exam certificates from the school in a letter sent by Head teacher Martin Budgett just days before the celebration evening was due to take place.

The decision not to hold the celebration evening has angered former pupils and parents.

Paston college student Laurence Fenn, who gained 8A*s and 4As at GCSE, said: 'This shows a lack of care and respect to past students. How are current GCSE students meant to put their all into their exams, if they don't believe that their school is fully behind them on their journey?'

He added: 'I received a letter two days before the proposed evening, stating that all students would have to come in to collect their certificates within a year. So was left wondering, why the presentation evening we were promised was not happening.'

Sam Eke, whose son Ethan attended the school, said no explanation had been given for the cancellation of the presentation evening.

She added: 'Ethan has friends who got straight As and their achievements should be applauded.

'The school has continually struggled in recent years and if it wasn't for hard working students achieving great grades it would continue to fail. I feel the school and new head has let down those students and the remaining staff who supported them.'

Mr Budgett was appointed head of Stalham High in June. The school, which is part of the North Norfolk Academy Trust, has been in special measures. This year saw 56pc of pupils gain A* to C grades including English and maths.

North Norfolk Multi Academy Trust executive headteacher Dr Andrew Richardson said: 'Stalham High prides itself on celebrating the success of its students. It celebrates its Year 11 leavers with a leavers' day to rival any and then a prom of epic proportions.

'Throughout the year there are celebration assemblies in which progress and achievement are consistently praised and rewarded.

'Ex Year 11 students have been invited back to a celebration to collect their certificates for several years and this year's projected attendance was low due to the date and their other commitments. As a result, the decision was taken not to host this event.'