RYEDALE School welcomed back its former Year 11 students to celebrate their GCSE achievements.

The evening included an address from former head boy Dan Towler and former head girl Hattie Eve, and entertainment from musicians Laura Dangerfield, Emma Audsley and Dan Towler.

Head teacher Mark McCandless said: “This cohort achieved an incredible progress eight score of 0.62 which places Ryedale School in the top 10 per cent of schools in the country - well done the class of 2017.

“Overall 85 per cent of students achieved a grade four or above (standard pass) in English and maths, 67 per cent of students gained a grade five or above (strong pass) in English and maths and 37 per cent of all grades achieved were top grades: A*/A/7/8/9, which is truly exceptional.”

“Most importantly, students of all abilities achieved success and their individual achievements were recognised on this evening, attended by students, parents and staff.”

The following students were presented with a Subject Award or a Special Award on the evening:

English - Samantha Brown; English Literature – Eliza Powell; Mathematics – Ben Coughlan; Additional Maths – Dan Towler; Triple Science – Ruth Aber; Double Science – Eleanore Speight; Geography – Isabelle Jones; History – Eleanore Speight; French – Eliza Powell; Spanish – Ruth Aber; Foreign Languages – Rachel Waddington; Jubilee Cup for Art – Eliza Powell and Rebecca Straw; Davison Cup for Design Technology – Isabelle Jones; Nichol’s Cup for Food Technology – Katie Williams; ICT – Eleanore Speight; Physical Education – Holly Collier; Dance – Abbie Magson; Austin Davison Cup for Drama – Ben Greenhough; Bob Ing Trophy for Musical Achievement – Anna Bailey; Award for Performing Arts – Laura Dangerfield.

The last of the awards for achievement was for all round academic excellence (best exam results). Ben Coughlan was awarded the Wrightson Trophy for achieving ten GCSEs, nine of them at grade A*or 9 (and one at grade A) plus an A grade Free Standing Mathematics qualification.

The 4 Special awards nominated by the Ryedale staff each year were presented to the following students:

• Mike Scott Award for Supportive Leadership – Holly Collier

• Thelma Guy Award for Exceptional Achievement – Poppy Harrison

• Heather Linley Award for Exceptional Progress – Shannon Harper

• Michael Foster Award for Service to School and Community – Matthew Cossins