What we need to succeed in life is a question many of us spend years trying to find the answer to.

Eastern Daily Press: Students from years eight to 11 received awards for achievement, effort and personal commitment from Jonathan Taylor, left, at the awards evening at Stradbroke High School. Head of school John Axtell is pictured on the right. Picture: COURTESY OF STRADBROKE HIGH SCHOOLStudents from years eight to 11 received awards for achievement, effort and personal commitment from Jonathan Taylor, left, at the awards evening at Stradbroke High School. Head of school John Axtell is pictured on the right. Picture: COURTESY OF STRADBROKE HIGH SCHOOL (Image: Archant)

And now, a leading Norfolk headteacher believes he has the answer.

Taking inspiration from how sporting stars such as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo have risen to the top of their games, Jonathan Taylor - executive headteacher of Wymondham College and Stradbroke High School - told pupils at an awards ceremony: 'My essential message tonight is that perseverance and practise, hard work and resilience are the keys to success.

At the event at Stradbroke High School, he said a positive attitude to overcoming challenges and weaknesses is essential.

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'The power of adding the word 'yet' makes all the difference to a positive attitude and without a good attitude, so often, talent is wasted.'

Mr Taylor said the students have a great opportunity to succeed because the South Norfolk school 'believes in you and does the very best it can to lay the foundations for you to go on achieve your dreams and aspirations'.

Stradbroke High has recently been named of in the top two in Suffolk for achievement, with 58pc of students achieving level five or higher in their GCSEs in 2017.

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It is also in the top three for GCSE results, with 79pc of students achieving a level four or more at GCSE in 2017.

Presenting the awards at the event, Mr Taylor said the school provides 'a world-class education, allowing students to compete with the very best students around the world'.

He told the packed sports hall that Stradbroke High School's staff rely on the same drive and motivation as the students in order to achieve success - and urged the students to: 'Be grateful for what you have and strive to use this to be the best you can be.'

John Axtell, head of school at Stradbroke High, said: 'I am truly proud of the attainment of our students. Success like this comes from hard work and the right attitude, where you do not let the fear of falling stop you from aiming high.'

Next term, Stradbroke High School is due to become part of the Sapientia Education Trust