Head speaks of new pride

11:19am Wednesday 9th January 2008

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STUDENTS celebrated another year of academic and individual achievement at a once-failing school.

Proud youngsters at Baxter College, Kidderminster, received their hard-earned GCSE and A-level certificates during an annual awards evening.

Sixth form and year 11 pupils were handed certificates by guest of honour Mark Yates, the Kidderminster Harriers manager.

Outstanding achievers and pupils who had made a special individual effort were also given awards and trophies for merit.

Principal, Dave Seddon, said: "Above all else, students at Baxter are cared for in a personal way, which makes this school unique.

"Students work in an environment where standards matter, self-esteem is high, it is cool to succeed and students of all abilities are able to achieve above their own expectations.

"We are rapidly becoming a centre of excellence for the community - a place where people are proud to belong."

The college - formerly the failing Harry Cheshire High School - has gone from strength to strength since "superhead" Mr Seddon was brought in to turn the school around in 2003.

There has been a rise in the number of students gaining 5 A*- C grade GCSEs, from just 13 per cent four years ago to 54 per cent, making the college the second most improved in the country.