A STUDENT who passed her A Levels two years early has been recognised for her exceptional performance at an academy's prize-giving.
Holly Grob was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Student of the Year accolade at The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, after achieving straight A* grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics aged just 16.
Although she left the academy in the summer, Holly and other alumni were invited back to the annual presentation, held, for the first time, at the start of the new academic year.
Principal David Dawes said: "Changing the time of our prize-giving to September means students who have just finished their GCSEs and A Levels can come back to join us before they start university and college courses.
"It also means our brand new Year 7 can hear about the achievements and activities of the year before and everyone can feel motivated to emulate the success we're celebrating."
Mr Dawes added: "It's been a truly amazing year, with our best results ever, but also a tough year in many ways. Prize-giving brings everyone together as we look forward to another year."
Now 17, Holly is currently taking tests to study medicine at university and is aiming to start a course at Cambridge University, Imperial College London, Newcastle or Glasgow University next year after completing voluntary work in Mexico.
Holly, who grew up in South Africa before arriving in Coulby Newham, in January last year, said: "The Outstanding Student prize usually goes to someone younger so it was a complete surprise."
Dr Taing Saing San, or Dr Sasa as he is known, founder of the Burma-based charity Health and Hope, was the special guest, joining the prize-giving on the day before he was due to meet with the Prince of Wales, in Scotland.
"I will tell him it was an honour to be with the students of The King's Academy. I will be very proud to say students from here helped the students in Burma," he said.
The presentation recognised students for academic achievement, progress, merits and contribution to their house. The most promising student in each subject was recognised and there were special awards including the Chairman's Award of Special Recognition which went to the unbeaten Year 9 football team.
The Alix Ritchie Award for Courage went to Jack Sidgwick, and Medes won the House Cup.
Members of the cast of last year's production of Annie performed, and there was a preview to this year's musical, Beauty and the Beast, which is being staged at the academy next month.