THERE was a record turnout for Godalming College’s ‘Let’s Celebrate’ awards evening, when principal David Adelman gave his farewell speech before retiring.

Under his leadership over the last 15 years, the college has risen through the ranks to join the top 10 of sixth form colleges in the country and enjoyed a 35 per cent increase in student numbers.

Emma Young, currently deputy principal at Esher College, takes over as principal at the start of the next academic year.

Mr Adelman gave a moving speech about his time at Godalming College and his hopes for this year’s leavers, before presenting students with their awards for effort and determination or outstanding achievement in their subject, or for their contribution to the college or the wider community.

Haslemere leaver and student union president George Chantry, gave a speech praising Mr Adelman’s leadership.

“He has listened attentively to the student voice and has empathised with many of the students concerns,”

George said. “I’ve been here for two years but can only imagine the extraordinary service which David Adelman has given the college.

“The college is fortunate to have had such an enthusiastic, compassionate, empathetic and principled principal.”

George, who also played saxophone in the jazz band at the event, received a further round of applause when Brenda Jenner, chairman of the corporation, mentioned he celebrated his 18th birthday that day in her own speech of thanks to Mr Adelman and congratulations to students.

George, who was still taking exams for one of his five A-level subjects, the day before the event, is looking forward to taking his place at Oxford later this year to study politics, philosophy and economics.

As well as running the student union, he also jointly led the college Secular Society, which promotes free speech and honest debate.

Further high-achieving students recognised at the event, were Ryan Kirby, who has been studying the BTEC extended diploma in sport and won the sports volunteer award for his dedicated work with local schools and building access to after school sports clubs over 150 hours of volunteering.

Catriona Eldrige who has taken part in many high-profile debates at college, won the award for overall outstanding performance and contributions to the debating group, and Zoe Porter was presented with the Anstice Fearon Memorial Prize for her outstanding contribution to the life of the college through involvement in extra-curricular activities and the overall contribution to promoting equality and diversity.

Students and their families enjoyed drinks and canapes and live music by the college jazz band before the ceremony, and college theatre company ClassAction staged a performance to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare.

In a musical interlude during the prize-giving ceremony, Peter Fenech, who won the contribution to music prize for his work directing the string ensemble conducting the concert orchestra, played ‘Sarabande’ from Suite No 3 for cello by Bach.

“I have had 15 great years leading this great college,” Mr Adelman said.

“I have acquired a few more grey hairs since I started here, but it has been a pleasure and a privilege to be principal at Godalming. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.”