HIGH-FLYERS and stand-out students have been celebrated at Wadham School’s annual awards ceremony.

The event was also attended by guest speaker and presenter of the awards, former head student Dr Raj Sengupta, consultant rheumatologist in Bath.

Head teacher David Derbyshire said: “It really has been a stand out year for academic achievement at Wadham.

“In the GCSE examinations 71 per cent of students passed English and Maths at A* to C grade and 63 per cent attained five GCSEs at A* to C grade including English and Maths, a fantastic 10 per cent improvement.”

Bethany Lacey was recognised with the Governor’s’ Award for Personal Endeavour for her performance on the tennis court. Over the summer she won the Somerset under 18s championship, and the ladies senior title. She now joins the women’s UK Pro Tour competing nationwide.

A brand new Service above Self award was presented by The Rotary Club of Ilminster. Madeline Bennett and Molly Daniel received the award jointly for their lead role in school fundraising to help the Calais Jungle migrants.

The award was presented by county councillor and Rotarian Linda Piggot-Vijeh and Ilminster Rotary president Harley Pope.

Cllr Piggot-Vijeh said: “I was especially pleased to join our current president Harley Pope to hand over our brand new Service Above Self award to two worthy young ladies, Madeline Bennett and Molly Daniel, primarily for their work in supporting refugees.

"I was particularly keen that we took forward this initiative, based on the Rotary International motto, and with a globe as the trophy, signifying the wider world.”

Madeline Bennett was also awarded the Headteacher’s Award.