WEST Somerset College celebrated the achievements of its top performing students at the annual presentation evening on Wednesday, October 11.

The evening began with a welcome speech by head teacher Zoe Stucki, who congratulated the students on their excellent achievements.

After a musical performance by new year nine student Ruth Garang, awards were presented by deputy headteacher Gregg Mockridge and heads of department.

Progress and attainment awards were given in each subject to honour students who had made huge strides in their learning.

The evening ended with a speech by former college student James Dibble, a Cambridge University graduate and now associate solicitor with one of the world’s largest law firms, James Day, before students, staff, parents and members of the local community shared in celebratory refreshments.

Headteacher’s Awards were given to the highest achievers – year 11 Matthew Puttock, year 12 James Johnson and year 13 Martyna Damazyn.

Matthew was among the highest attainers in the country this summer. Only 2.2 per cent of students nationally achieving English language at grade nine and 3.5 per cent of students achieving a grade nine in mathematics, but Matthew achieving grade nine in both English and maths, one grade eight, nine A stars and one A grade.

The student’s achievements have placed West Somerset College third out of 39 schools in Somerset for progress and ninth for attainment.

The GCSE results for English and Maths placed the college 11th for students achieving grades nine to five in both English and maths.MORE PHOTOS IN THE FREE PRESS