ANDOVER College celebrated the academic achievement and hard work of students, which contributed to their record-breaking 100 per cent A-level pass rate, at the annual Achievers Awards this week.

The ceremony, which was officially supported by the Andover Advertiser, saw students along with proud family and friends join together with Andover College lecturers, governors and sponsors for a celebratory evening at The Lights.
 

Former student and guest of honour Kristina Freeman encouraged students to seize every opportunity.

She said: “I believe it’s integral to step outside of your comfort zone. By living a diverse life, dreaming big and above all, taking responsibility for your life aspirations, you can succeed in any endeavour you choose.”

Kristina has recently returned to the UK from an eight-month traineeship in Brussels at the Directorate-General for Translation in the European Commission.

Now set to return to her studies back in the UK, she is preparing to pursue an MA in Translation at the University of Surrey.

The top accolade of the evening, the prestigious ‘principal’s award’, was presented to Lucy Bourne.

Her assertiveness and strong engagement with her chosen courses has seen her travel to the Gambia, the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Courts during her time with the college.

Tim Jackson, principal, said: “Lucy has excelled as an academic, a creative, a volunteer and ultimately as an individual.

Off to study music management at Southampton Solent University, Lucy is a fitting example of Andover College’s commitment to making sure students achieve their full potential and develop on a personal level as well as academically.”

For the second year running, Daniel Phillips’s remarkable natural ability secured him the science and maths achievement award.

Now due to study natural sciences at the University of Cambridge, his lecturers said: “Daniel’s A*A*A* success comes from a perfect marriage of graft and ability that has seen Daniel consistently achieve 90 per cent or above throughout his studies at Andover College.

“He is a once-in-a-lifetime student.”

Amelia Black was presented with the humanities and social sciences achievement award, sponsored by the Andover 14 Andover Advertiser 16 September, 2016 andoveradvertiser.co.uk Advertiser, for her creative and analytical flair for English language and literature.

Her lecturer, Carys Overfield, said: “Amelia has never given less than 100 per cent to her studies, stretching herself to meet every available opportunity.

“Her confidence has soared and if her academic performance at the college is any indication, she will do excellently at St Mary’s University studying primary education.”

The Apprenticeship Achievement Award went to Mathew Jones, who, following a motor vehicle apprenticeship at PFK Engineering Ltd, is set to work at Emtec of Salisbury Ltd, a BMW and Mini specialist.

Lloyd Mitchell, winner of the creative and performing arts achievement award, said: “It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged for my hard work at the college. On my music course we are encouraged to be ourselves and create freely in a comfortable environment with fantastic energy.

“I’m ecstatic to have won and am looking forward to now progressing on to the third and final year of my course.”

Concluding the ceremony, deputy principal Martin Simmons said: “At Andover College, talented and capable students of the town are provided for.

“Our successes are not only a result of the perseverance from our students, but also through our college’s lecturers, staff and the continued support of the industry links around us.”