The annual event recognises sixth formers' efforts both at school and in the wider community, as well as giving them an opportunity to look back on the past academic year.

Emily Benn, daughter of Labour party stallwart Tony and prospective parliamentary candidate for the East Worthing and Shoreham constituency, was the guest speaker at the assembly.

Speaking to the Herald at a reception after the ceremony, she said: "I was invited to make a short speech to the students about how to fulfill their potential."

Eighteen-year-old Miss Benn added she was very impressed with the look back at the school year at Steyning, particularly the students commitment to their community.

"The way they get involved themselves, for the benefit of the community, is really inspiring," she added. "I am the same age as them and I am inspired by some of the things I have seen."

As part of the celebration, students also saw a performance by former Steyning Grammar student Wendy Paver, who is currently appearing on-stage in London's West End, in the musical Buddy, at the Duchess Theatre, near Covent Garden.

Wendy sung Defying Gravity, from the musical Wicked, and said it was strange to be back at the school she left some six years ago.

"It was a bit weird," she added. "Some things were exactly the same and others are quite different. It almost felt like I had never been away. It was wonderful."

Wendy said she was thoroughly enjoying her run on the West End stage, which is set to carry on for a little while longer.

She added: "It is going brilliantly. We have just signed a new contract for another year, the whole cast is staying. You can't help but enjoy it – I am getting paid for something I enjoy doing."

Wendy said her dreams of a career on the stage started long ago and paid tribute to the teachers at Steyning who helped her reach her goal.

"There are photos and recordings of me here still," she said. "It is all I ever wanted to do. I was very lucky with the tutors I had supporting me and helping me get into drama school."

Numerous certificates and awards were presented to students at the assembly, including to youth volunteers who completed more than 100 hours service in the community.

Eighteen-year-old Lara Sauer received the Paul Holt memorial sculpture for her work in drama and arts, while Craig Scott, Steve Dickson and Josh Baldock all received trophies for their sporting achievements.

Director of sixth form Sally Randall said the assembly marked the near-end of another "amazing" year for Steyning Grammar's sixth form, which saw students raise more than £10,000 for charitable causes.

She told the Herald: "It was so difficult to pay tribute to all of them. It was all about celebrating citizenship in school and in the wider community.

"It is all about making a positive difference. We are just so proud of them all."

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