DRESSED in their finest, armed with well-earned certificates, students from Peter Symonds College celebrated their achievements.

Guest of honour at the awards evening was the Bishop of Winchester, Right Reverend Tim Dakin, who joined alongside teachers, governors and parents alike to pay tribute to the 2014 year group.

A total of 92 prizes were handed out during the course of the evening which principal Stephen Carville said marked a very special year.

He said the college was “a large and vibrant community with a myriad of talents and countless interests”.

“We develop well-rounded, open-minded individuals with ambitious goals and a genuine sense of social responsibility,” he said. “Thank you families for lending us your children for the last two years.”

Mr Dakin, also a parent of former Symonds student Johnny, gave a short speech after the prizes were presented.

This summer’s A level results saw nearly a quarter of the students secure a top A* grade in at least one subject. Fifty per cent obtained at least one A* or A grade and two thirds of the grades were either A*, A or B.

The college had pass rate of 99 per cent and, as a result, is expected to be ranked as one of the top performing colleges in England and Wales when the league tables are published in January 2015.