Students hailed for their achievements

Students from year seven to 13 were given prizes in all subject areas and community awards for outstanding service to the Ripley school were handed out by Amber Valley Rotary Club.

Laura Bottomley, 17, received the prize for the highest AS level results after achieving four As in English literature, psychology, French and religious studies while Dominic Currins, 16, was honoured for his overall GCSE examination performance. He achieved 12 A star to C grades, including 10 A stars.

Katie Dicks, 16, won the Chamber of Commerce award for Performance in Exceptional Circumstances.

The Ripley Rotary Award for Service to the school and community went to Jack-Henry Melbourne, 16.

Jennifer Vong, 12, won the Carolyn Axup Silent Star Award, which is given in memory of Carolyn, a former student who died.

Michael Hawley, 18, won the headteacher’s commendation for providing services to the school.

Carey Ayres, acting headteacher at Mill Hill School, said she was proud of all the students.

She said: “These evenings serve to remind me of the reason why I came into teaching. All too often we spend our time managing situations, whereas celebrating success with students is the truly rewarding part.”