Sutton (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A 13-year-old Sutton student has been named the first recipient of Nottinghamshire Police’s Schools Empowerment Award, celebrating his progress and dedication.
As reported by Chad, a part of its prestigious annual Live Our Best Life Awards 2025 event, which highlights the accomplishments of exceptional young people throughout Nottinghamshire, the police have created this brand-new award to recognize the efforts of excellent students from all around the Force area.
Leighton Turner, 13, a Year 8 student at Quarrydale Academy in Sutton, outlined the requirements for the new award: a young person who has significantly improved their behavior, attendance, participation, and adherence to the rules while also making a real difference in their academic achievements or overcoming personal obstacles with perseverance and determination.
One of the Schools and Early Intervention Officers, PC Jemma Fenn, nominated Leighton because she had personally witnessed his success.
She said:
“Leighton is a little superstar. He does have additional needs but he has shown incredible personal growth and resilience, showing perseverance to change his behaviour.
In the past, he struggled with making the right choices, however through dedication and support he has completely turned things around.
Leighton has developed his communication skills, learned to seek support during difficult moments instead of reacting negatively, and has shown remarkable emotional growth.”
She added that he has stayed out of trouble, is managing his emotions in school much better, and consistently makes positive choices or owns it when he makes poorer ones. He always engages well and is a pleasure to support.
His hard work is reflected in his school record. Leighton knows he still has a long way to go, but he is trying his best every day, and his efforts are truly commendable.
Leighton’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of the right support. School is somewhere he feels he can be himself and he truly deserves this recognition.
Quarrydale Academy headteacher Tim Paling said:
“I want to congratulate Leighton on the way he has responded to all of the support he has been offered.”
She added that he’s found things difficult in the past but he’s had the resilience and determination to take advice on board, accept the support that has been on offer, and he’s turned his prospects around significantly.
You see a young man now walking around enjoying school who is really happy in his environment.
Seeing Leighton grow in confidence is something that is really inspirational to me and should be an inspiration to others.
His award nomination and win are well deserved and justifies the effort that he has put in.
She said that she is a very proud headteacher and I hope Leighton continues to flourish and grow.
What specific achievements led to Leighton Turner being chosen for the award?
Because of his exceptional commitment and advancement in a number of crucial areas, Leighton Turner was selected for Nottinghamshire Police’s inaugural Schools Empowerment Award.
In particular, he overcame personal obstacles with perseverance and dedication and achieved noticeable improvements in his academic performance.
Leighton also met the award’s requirements for recognizing youth who have made significant personal development since he showed notable improvements in his behavior, attendance, engagement, and obedience to school rules.
This acknowledgment encourages others to aim for progress in spite of obstacles by highlighting the value of tenacity and constructive behavior in the lives of young people. It also emphasizes how community organizations and schools may help empower young people.