STUDENTS from Tadcaster Grammar School received prizes and certificates for academic achievement and excellence at a ceremony at the school.

Puoils were presented with their GCSE, AS Level and A Level certificates and there were prizes at GCSE level for outstanding progress, excellent results and outstanding results with subject prizes being awarded to students in Years 12 and 13.

Head teacher Geoff Mitchell said: “This year, high levels of achievement have been maintained both at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 – not through examinations being made easier, but by the diligent and hard-working approach of students and the high-quality teaching they receive.”

“Students have already experienced up to seven years of schooling in an educational setting where compromise is not accepted.

“The fundamental role of education here is to equip students with the skills for them to achieve success and to develop and nurture their personal qualities.

“Only then can the students in the audience face their future with confidence and meet the challenges which they will be required to overcome with self-belief, a secure skill set and an unrelenting vigour.

“So present and former students, you have raised the bar and set your sights high.

“I offer my congratulations to you on achieving the results you deserve and as you walk across the stage to receive your certificates, for some of you the last time you will do so, I will share a part of your pride as head of this quite remarkable school.”

Philip Turnpenny, chair of governors, said: “We are here to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the students, which I know will have been secured as a result of a lot of hard work and effort.

“The governors send their congratulations and also their thanks to the head and all staff and parents. For those who left school last summer I hope that what you are doing is more than meeting your expectations and I would like to wish you all every success in the future.”

Guest speaker was Professor Kate Pickett, professor of epidemiology at the University of York, who talked about the most important factors of life, not just academically, but simple rules to follow to achieve a successful future and to make the world a better place.

The presentation of awards was interspersed with musical interludes performed by Lydia Baldwin on flute, Tom Herrington on guitar and a vocal solo Silent Night was sung by Megan Hubbard.

The closing comments and vote of thanks were given by head boy Alistair Souch and head girl Amy Ledgeway.

Special trophies and shields included: The Developmental Leadership Award for True Adventure, Emma Cook and Lauren Wain; The Joe Lister Trophy for Sporting Achievement, Emma Williams; The Iain Farnsworth Trophy for Academic Achievement, Mikey Teal; The Oglethorpe & Dawson Shield for Outstanding Performance, Hollie Bishop; Governors’ Shield for Service To The School, Polly Benn; House Leaders’ Special Award, Hannah Stone; and Director of Sixth Form Shield, Sophia Eason.