AS many as four dozen year 13 students at Queen Elizabeth’s School have received the Crediton secondary academy’s prestigious Sixth Form Diploma Award.

To win the award, the youngsters had to devote more than 80 hours to activities including sport, the arts, and volunteering; show sustained commitment to their personal career development and academic progress; gain work experience; and complete a full programme of study while becoming more independent learners.

At the annual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 7, parents heard about the students’ achievements, from tackling the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and taking part in Ten Tors to volunteering in the community and mentoring younger students.

“The diploma awards evening was not only a celebration of what these students have achieved, but of who they have become,” Head of Sixth Form Vicky Evans said.

“The event marked the culmination of the Year 13 students’ time at QE and offered a fitting tribute to an exceptional group of young people.

“While academic success was rightly recognised, the evening celebrated far more than examination results.

“The Sixth Form Diploma Award honours commitment, contribution, leadership, service and community, recognising achievement in the fields of creativity, action and service.

“Together, these strands reflect the breadth of opportunities students have embraced, often alongside demanding academic programmes, and the ways these experiences have shaped them into well‑rounded, thoughtful and capable individuals.

“As they prepare to take their next steps, Queen Elizabeth’s School, and the wider community, can be immensely proud of them.”

In addition to the diploma, Head Girl Freya Parsons was presented with the Old Scholars’ Cup for Outstanding Contribution to the English Department, Lizzie Gordon the Daphne Cartwright Award for Art and Design, Issie Richer the Jackson Tasker Cup for Design and Technology, and Alexandra Atkins the Jean Grinney Award for Care and Compassion.