It was time for celebration as students' successes were praised as they marked the end of their school journey.

Dorchester Learning Centre was blessed with brilliant sunshine as the Year 11 along with their parents and centre staff congregated in the Old Rectory grounds at Monkton Park to celebrate the Leavers' Barbecue.

This year's barbecue will be the last ever end of year celebration to be staged at the Old Rectory before the centre moves to a new nearby site during the summer.

This year there were 17 leavers in attendance to enjoy a magnificent barbecue and buffet prepared by staff followed by an informal presentation led by the centre’s head teacher, Katherine Seymour.

Students, Dan Saul and Leah Dewsnap enjoyed a magnificent seven-award haul between them, including the prestigious Head Teacher Award which they shared.

Dan came out top for achievement in three curriculum areas - science, ICT and sport - while Leah accepted a curriculum award for English and picked up another certificate for the Top Student Award for behaviour.

Another high-achiever over the year was Jake Brown who accepted awards for Sports Leadership, Lifeskills and also came out top for attendance for which he was rewarded with a Top Student Award.

The coveted John Holland shield went to Dominic Murphy, who had earlier lifted the Maths Award, whilst two other students enjoyed double success – Katie Hallett (Art and Lifeskills) and Sarah Crowder (Photography and Girls’ Fitness).