STUDENTS from Beaminster School were rewarded for their hard work at an award ceremony at the school.

More than 200 awards were handed out to students in years ten, 11, 12 and 13 at the presentation night.

The evening also saw former Beaminster School pupil and silver medallist at the 2012 Paralympic games Paul Blake give a speech congratulating the students.

Mike Best, headteacher at the school, said: “Students achieved the best GCSE outcomes in Dorset. Sixth form students also had every reason to celebrate excellent outcomes.”

The awards were based on the pupils’ achievements in the last academic year and the stand out performer was current year 13 student Daisy Curtis.

Daisy scooped seven awards including the head’s award, a leadership award and the Bridport News-sponsored Wordsmith award.

Described by teachers as an “exceptional” student, Daisy scooped the award after setting up an online student newspaper.

Another ten pupils received special certificates following a successful project with Magna Housing association.

The project involved pupils attending a meeting organised by Magna and the Dorset Partnership for Older People Project (POPP) aimed at teaching people aged 50 how to use computers.

Dominic Knorpel, community leader in Beaminster and Loders for POPP, said: “I thought these pupils from Beaminster School were a credit to themselves, their families, their school and their generation.

Achievements by the school’s former year 13 pupils were also celebrated. Billie Stevens won the Performing Arts award, India Hodder won the Visual Arts, Student Voice award went to Jasmine Spiers, Megan Edwards won the sport award and Clare Scarborough won the leadership award.

The head’s award for outstanding academic excellence and achievement went to Christina James, who is now studying in Nottingham.

The Governor’s award for outstanding improvement and effort went to Marcus Crew, now studying at Plymouth University.

Andrew Livingston won the John Darneley award for Community Service.

The Jean Wicks Award for work related learning went to Toby Brookes.

The Wenn Cup was awarded to Thomas Molony.