THE first students have graduated from the Archbishop Sentamu Academy Sixth Form at a service held at Bishopthorpe Palace, near York.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, formally addressed students, teachers and parents and also jointly presented certificates and awards to students alongside principal Andrew Chubb.

The academy was opened in 2008 as a new learning community set in the heart of East Hull, and is sponsored by the Church of England Diocese of York.

All 12 students from the sixth form are graduating with either a BTEC National Diploma in Health & Social Care or a BTEC First Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.

The Archbishop said their graduation was a “wonderful achievement”, and he prayed they would have the courage to have dreams that would transform not only their lives, but the lives of all those they met.