Top marks for lad who turned his life around

The Percival Whitley Trust said Brandon Jones, 11, had faced academic and behavioural difficulties for a number of years.

He was supported by his grandparents but last year his grandfather was diagnosed with cancer.

He died later in the year and his class teacher left Withinfields School, Southowram, where he is a pupil.

But despite his troubles he fought back and focused on his schoolwork, completing all his homework and taking extra lessons to make up for lost time.

His new class teacher Helen York said he was now working at age related expectations and was expected to achieve them by the end of this academic year.

She said: “Brandon’s behaviour was so impressive last half-term that he was chosen as a prefect and whether he wins this award or not, we couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Trust chairman Leyland Smith, who presented the award, said: “Clearly, the remarkable turnaround and progress made by Brandon and his determination and courage to succeed in spite of the personal challenges he has faced is a valuable role model for all children.”