STUDENTS in Year 11 leaving Court Fields School in Wellington after their GCSEs departed with shirts signed by their schoolmates as a memento of their time there.

Youngsters took GCSE exams over a six-week period and at their final assembly staff treated them to a buffet. Students were also treated to videos and slideshows of their younger years which prompted enormous laughter and some tears.

Heads of House gave awards to students who had gone the extra mile often through adversity or who contributed beyond what was expected, giving back to others and the school.

School governor Mrs Troake joined staff and students to celebrate the achievements of head boy Chris Coupe, who won the Governors’ Cup.

Over his five years at Court Fields he had shown resilience, commitment and generosity to others, and had made the most of all the opportunities presented to him.

Chris took part in many walking challenges and achieved his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. He was one of the first cohort of students to travel to Madagascar last summer and visit the new primary school Court Fields students and staff have fundraised for over the past five years.

Headteacher Rachael Bennett said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Chris who has worked hard every day at school and shown true leadership qualities through sport, outdoor education, fundraising and student leadership.

“I congratulate him and indeed all of the Year 11 students who were nominated by their teachers for their efforts and contribution to school life.”