A Year 7 student and elite level cheerleader is celebrating an incredible milestone after helping her team claim a major competition title.

Poppy, who joined Kingsmeadow in September 2025, and trains with North East Cheer, recently took to the floor at the Winter Gardens Blackpool for Jamfest Northern, one of the UK’s most exciting cheerleading competitions. Performing with her Level 2 Under-14 team Glamour, Poppy and her teammates delivered an outstanding routine that impressed the judges and secured them 1st place in their division.

The win marks a special moment for Poppy, as this is her first year competing as an elite athlete. For the previous two seasons she competed in the Prep division, where athletes develop the foundations of cheerleading such as stunts, tumbling and performance skills. Moving into the elite division is a big step up, with faster routines, more complex stunts and tougher competition, making Glamour’s victory even more impressive.

Competing on the famous Empress Ballroom floor at the Winter Gardens, Glamour showcased strong teamwork, sharp choreography and confident stunts to take the top spot. For Poppy, it was a moment that highlighted how far she has come in a short time.

But the season is far from over. Glamour will be back on the competition floor twice more this year, first at Revolution Rise and then at Jamfest Manchester, where they will be hoping to build on their early success and finish the season just as strongly.

Alongside her achievements with Glamour, Poppy has also earned another exciting opportunity this season. She successfully made the team Flawless, a Level 1 Under-16 International team at North East Cheer. With this team, she will travel to Spain to compete at the Future Cheer European Championships in Barcelona during the upcoming May half-term.

Mr Barrett, Headteacher said: “I am very proud of Poppy’s achievement. Competing internationally is a huge achievement for any young person and will give Poppy the chance to perform against teams from across Europe on one of cheerleading’s biggest stages.

“With a title already under her belt and international competition on the horizon, Poppy’s first elite season is shaping up to be an unforgettable one. As she continues to work hard at school, and train with her teammates, there is no doubt she will be one to watch.”