STUDENTS at Kidderminster’s Baxter College celebrated a host of successes in front of the school’s newly appointed principal.

GCSE and A-level certificates, along with Duke of Edinburgh and special awards, were presented by “old boy” solicitor Wyre Forest District council leader and Worcestershire County Council education cabinet member Marcus Hart.

Matthew Carpenter, who came to the school in the new year after being vice principal of the RSA Academy, Tipton, said to have the event so early in his headship made it extra special.

He said: “I am honoured to be able to share in the students’ achievements in my first week at the school.”

It was a full house for girls who were awarded the Principal’s Award for each year: Year 13 – Jessica Campbell. Year 12 – Olivia Gallacher, Year 11 – Jessica Richards, Year 10 – Bethany Owen, Year 9 – Katy Cadwallader, Year 8 – Daisy-Mae Bunn and Year 7 – Alice Hatfield.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards went to Hugh Jones, Nicole Kimaryo and Bethany Owen.

A total of 27 subject awards were represented to students, and Millie Heaselgrave received the Principal’s Award for Head Student 2016-17.

The Community Housing Group Award for Achievement went to Charlotte Curry and the Sapa Award for Attendance was won by Abbie Howard for 99.4 per cent attendance during her seven years at the school. Abbie, who also won the award for sociology, is now training to be a midwife.

The Jak Crump Award for Achieving Against the Odds went to Ben Birtles.

The Dave Seddon Award for Sporting Excellence was awarded to county archer Madison Warren

Two of the school’s longest serving governors, retired teacher Ken Wallis, a governor since the early 80s, along with solicitor Nick Hughes, who had served for 21 years, received the Lady Eddy Award for Outstanding Service.

Mr Carpenter said: “It is an important part of positive wellbeing that young people understand why they are successful. Each inspirational citation read about each of the award winners showed a route map for success - hard work and positivity.

“I look forward to many more awards evenings, it was a real honour to attend this evening so early in my time at Baxter College; a school that cares deeply about its students.”