ROBERT May’s celebrated their Year 11 graduates’ achievements with a dazzling awards ceremony last month.

GCSE students from the class of 2016, who left the school after attaining superb exam results, moved onto their respective colleges after bettering any previous records held by the Odiham school.

The evening was introduced by Robert May’s School vice-chairman of governors, Nich Crowson and compered by Sarah Theis, head of year and Kaff Harding, assistant head of year, with special guest speaker High Sheriff Tom Floyd distributing certificates and prizes.

Other guests included the chairman of Hart District Council, the chairman of Odiham Parish Council, Sir Joseph and Lady French, and representatives of north Hampshire’s sixth form colleges.

The head of year for the returning alumni was over the moon with her student’s success: “Everyone in the year group has an excellent story to tell. They had an outstanding work ethic.

“We are so proud of every single student and we send them warmest best wishes for their respective futures.”

Awards were given to 18 students who gained top marks in their GCSE exams, including Hannah Haugvik who was recently given a Hampshire Schools Sports Federation award for her heptathlon achievements.

A further 18 former pupils were then given awards for making the most progress in their subjects throughout their time at the secondary school, with it reflecting in their final results.

Ten students were presented with the Mackenzie Smith award for Business and Enterprise, with a further half dozen given gold awards for specific personal achievements.

Headteacher Joanna West expressed her pride at the success of her former year 11 group. “This was a tremendous group. We set very ambitious targets and they rolled right through them!

“We’re delighted that everyone has gone on to sixth-form colleges and training opportunities. They truly deserve all the great things that are coming to them.”