AT the end of November, Test Valley School held its annual presentation evening to celebrate the success of returning Year 11 pupils from last year.

The school was delighted by their success in their GCSEs in the summer, with the year group breaking a number of school records and significantly exceeding national outcomes (as well as the results achieved in a number of other secondary schools in the area).

Sixty-nine per cent achieved five or more A*-C grades including English and mathematics, 83 per cent achieved A*-C grades in mathematics, 78 per cent achieved A*-C grades in English and 69 per cent achieved two or more A*-C grades in science.

The evening saw all pupils receiving their GCSE certificates with the opportunity for their tutors to share what they have gone on to do next and their favourite memories of being at school.

The event culminated in the presentation of 28 special awards.

The school is very grateful to all the sponsors of these awards – many are local individuals and organisations who have proved to be long-standing friends of the school and many attended to present their awards.

The guest of honour this year was Mark Kemp, who gave an inspiring and amusing talk on his journey from successful entrepreneur to local dairy farmer.

Headteacher Louisa Hiscock said: “We always look forward to this event when we welcome the pupils back with their families to celebrate their success.

“This year was undoubtedly a very special evening.

“With the pupils having achieved such superb GCSE results, there was much to celebrate. I am very proud of their achievements and also very grateful for having such a strong and committed staff working with and supporting all our pupils to do so well.”