LEAVERS and their families returned to Haygrove School to celebrate their exam results and their school achievements at the annual GCSE presentation evening.

The guest speaker for the evening was Sir David Carter, regional schools commissioner for the South West.

Sir David spoke about how important it is that all students in the South West have the opportunity to receive a high quality education and also stressed the impact this has on the life experiences of young people.

Mr Matt Stott, who had guided the leavers through their time at Haygrove School as their Head of Year from year seven to year 11, welcomed them back to the school and congratulated them on being Haygrove’s most successful year group to date in terms of their GCSE results.

Student duo, Sion Wilson and Ellie Newton, sang the Justin Bieber hit, What do you mean? as part of the celebrations and later gave a Vote of Thanks in their roles as head boy and head girl.

As well as receiving their GCSE Exam Certificates, many students were also presented with subject awards for their achievement in a particular school subject.

16 students were recognised for the overall contribution they had made to the life of the school community by being awarded special award cups, plaques and trophies.

The award for the head teacher’s cup for outstanding examination performance was jointly given to two of Haygrove’s outstanding students; Olivia Shorthouse and Helana Edginton, who achieved 16A* and 7A grade GCSEs between them.

Head teacher, Mrs Canham, said: "This was a very special evening for everyone at Haygrove School.

"It is a joy to welcome back last year’s year 11 students and celebrate their achievements together.

"They were a wonderful group and I have now doubts that they will each go on to fulfil their potential in whichever field of work they choose."