RAMSEY Academy’s Aspirations and Charity week has been hailed a huge success as pupils raised almost £2,000 for charity.

The school hosts an annual week of events involving all pupils and staff raising as much as possible to donate to a good cause.

In a repeat of last year, the school chose to donate to The Smile of Arran Trust, a charity close to home for many pupils.

Arran Tosh, a former Hedingham School student, passed away at just 13 in 2014 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

And now the Halstead school have raised £1,944.58 to donate to the charity set up in his memory, the Smile of Arran Trust.

Rosemary Sims, aspiration raising standards leader, described the week, she said: “Throughout the week, each year group took their turn baking and selling cakes at break and lunch times; the tables were groaning under the weight of all the gorgeous cakes but staff and students soon snapped up the goodies.

“Monday lunchtime was time for the Year 11 boys’ basketball team to take on the staff. Students packed into the sports hall to watch a fast and furious game.

“Bench ball was a huge crowd pleaser on Tuesday lunchtime, with teams from Aspiration, Diversity and Endeavour battling for honours.

“On Wednesday, Mr Lewis-James organised an amazing lip-sync and musical concert for lunchtime, the student performers, performed to the huge audience of students and staff packed into the hall. We had a wonderful time and it was so heart-warming to see such support and camaraderie among all students.

Alison Tosh, Arran’s mother, joined us for the show and was overwhelmed by the Academy’s efforts and generosity.

“She enjoyed chatting to the students and it brought back many happy memories of Arran performing his songs. Thank you to our brave and talented performers.

“At lunchtime on Thursday the Year 11 girls relished the opportunity to take on the staff at netball, although not a fair contest with Mr Brooking’s height, Mr O’Gorman’s speedy delivery and Mr Child’s goalscoring! Great fun to watch and to play. “Thank you to the Year 10 girls who braved the chilly wind to sell more cakes and sweets to hungry spectators.

“Friday was a non-uniform day for all.” The Smile of Arran Charity week ended with a sponsored walk, or run for those with the stamina, around the Astro pitch. Mrs Sims added: “Students have been eagerly collecting sponsors, so thank you to all those who have supported them.

“Finally, once again a huge thank you to all staff, students and parents for supporting us.”

Mrs Tosh is due to attend an aspiration assembly on July 4 to be presented with the cheque.