A COLLEGE joined its students in a prize-giving ceremony to remember as it was officially awarded a national accolade.
Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipsell, Catterick, was officially presented with the Specialist Schools Academies Trust accolade placing it in the top ten per cent of schools in the country.
SSAT undertakes an annual in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England and identified Risedale Sports and Community College’s success.
The school qualified for an Educational Outcomes Award by being in the top 10 per cent of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between their key stage 2 results at primary school and their GCSE results at the age of 16.
SSAT chief executive Sylvia Paddock attended the college’s annual prize-giving to present the award.
“It is all too easy to look at the data but what it doesn’t show is the enormous amount of effort that goes into helping students prepare for the world when they leave,” she said. “This award is an amazing achievement and testament to the sheer amount of hard work going on here.”
A host of prizes were presented in subject areas for progress and academic achievement. Accolades were also handed out for sporting and community success.
The evening was compered by students Brooke McDowell and Liam Gallacher and musical entertainment provided by Sean Fisher and Lauren Ross.
Area colours were presented by retired champion boxer and current Team GB coach Amanda Coulson.
She told staff, students and their families: “My career has taught me about dedication, passion, commitment and rewards. I have heard about the success of this school and that has been inspirational.
“Opportunities come your way every day but it is what you decide to do with them that matters.”
Chairman of governors Rob Barker congratulated students and added: “You will face obstacles in life but you can use your determination to get over them.”
