IT WAS a record-breaking year for an Andover school – and teachers and pupils came together to celebrate it in style.

The achievements of youngsters at Harrow Way Community School were celebrated at its annual presentation evening.

Last year’s Year 11 pupils returned to receive the accolades after 63 per cent of them scooped five A* to C grades including English and maths – the best set of results in the school’s history.

The former students and their proud families were joined by teachers, governors and special guests for the event, which celebrated academic excellence, exceptional effort and personal achievement.

Head teacher Michael Serridge dubbed it a “wonderful year”.

He added: “Last year’s GCSE results were simply fantastic.

“There were also some stunning individual and department results.

“These were the best set of results in Harrow Way’s history and 13 per cent higher than any other Andover school.

“This year group had the best attitude to learning we have seen from a Year 11 for some time.

“When people work together, share the same ideals and believe passionately in the contribution that education can make to life chances of young people we can do amazing things.”

Guest of honour for the evening was serial adventurer, motivational speaker and Scouting ambassador, James Ketchell.

In 2007, a serious motorcycle accident left James with broken legs and a severely broken and dislocated ankle.

Doctors said he was likely to suffer a permanent walking impairment and would not be able to enjoy an active physical lifestyle.

But James responded to the bleak prognosis with dogged determination and in 2010 he rowed singlehanded across the Atlantic Ocean.

A year later he reached the summit of Mount Everest and in 2013 he embarked on an 18,000-mile global cycle, through 20 countries.

Speaking after the presentation evening he said: “Speaking at Harrow Way’s Presentation Evening was absolutely fantastic.

“I was made to feel very welcome and left feeling inspired by the pupils themselves.

“I wish all of the Year 11 pupils the best of luck.”