Phil Harrison, address to the students

Each second we live is a new and unique moment in the world, a moment that will never be again. Each one of you has the potential to bring happiness to us all. School staff, parents and pupils all have a responsibility to improve the world in which we live.

Everyday I am lucky enough to see the pupils of our school treat each other in a way which makes me feel proud to know them.

I see pupils sharing lunchtime activities with each other, I see pupils working with their friends to get their work done, I see pupils providing a friendly ear to upset friends, I see pupils organising charity events, I see pupils helping their friends get from A to B, I see pupils taking pride in each others work as well as their own, I see politeness among everyone, I see people who really care, I see people who want to make a positive difference to other peoples lives and most importantly I see pupils from all backgrounds and walks of life working together as one team.

I think that if only the people of the world could treat each other with the same amount of respect our pupils show each other - the world would be a different place. A better place.

 To the pupils of St Andrews; I will say to you all: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another person like you, the way you move, the way you communicate, the way you just are who you are. Each one of you deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and admiration.

The troubles of the world caused by humans; wars and conflicts are a result of people not treating each other in a proper way. They give up on each other to easily.

The amazing thing is that our pupils don't give up. Instead they rise to the challenges we set them, they treat others with consideration and take pride in themselves and their achievements.

We, the adults, are fortunate to see this everyday in our school.

The message to our pupils is; Continue treating each other well, set an example to the rest of Derby, the rest of the country, the rest of the world. Don't ever think that you don't make a difference because without you, all our lives wouldn't have been touched in such a positive way.

'Students' achievement is outstanding.  The vast majority of students make much better progress than expected in all subjects and especially in English due to the strong focus given to the development of communication skills, particularly speaking and listening.  Students make outstanding progress in their functional literacy, numeracy and life skills.'    OFSTED FEB 2009

'Students from different cultures and backgrounds are integrated exceptionally well.' OFSTED FEB 2009