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̽��ֱ�� works with able local students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them develop a passion for learning, reach their full academic potential and raise their aspiration - all of which was in evidence during the celebration event.

During the evening Scholars from Years 10 to 13 talked movingly about their experiences over the last year and how they have influenced them both academically and personally. 74 Scholars who achieved the Gold Standard received certificates of achievement. ̽��ֱ��Gold Standard is a new initiative introduced this year to recognise the attainment, attitude, manners, contribution, attendance and progress of Scholars during the academic year.

Gold Standard Scholars from each year group who had demonstrated exemplary Gold Standard qualities were shortlisted for the Mike Baker Scholar of the Year Award.�� ̽��ֱ��winners, as announced by the Mayor, were:-

• Russell Reid (William Parker Sports College) for Year 10;
• Fern Pattinson ( ̽��ֱ��Hastings Academy) for Year 11,
• Jack Doherty (Bexhill College) for Year 12 and
• Hayley Graham (Sussex Coast College) for Year 13.

Around 140 people attended the event including Scholars from Bexhill College, Helenswood School, Parkwood Sixth Form, Sussex Coast College, ̽��ֱ��Hastings Academy, ̽��ֱ��St Leonards Academy and William Parker Sports College, their families, the Mayor of Hastings Councillor Alan Roberts, Jon Beard (Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge), school and college staff, Villiers Park staff and Trustees.��

According to Theresa Phillips, Principal at�� the Scholars Programme has had a positive impact not just on the Scholars themselves but on the whole school’s ethos, culture and attainment. “During the four years that we have worked in partnership with Villiers Park Educational Trust the school has progressed from ‘special measure’ to a recent ‘good’ Ofsted inspection,” she explained.

By the end of the evening everyone in the room had been inspired by the Scholars, touched by their presentations and proud of all of their achievements.

Jon Beard, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment for the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge, who attended the event, said “ ̽��ֱ��students involved in the Scholars Programme are clearly thriving. That is in no small part due to the commitment of Villiers Park, Hastings schools, and their collective determination to put student success at the heart of everything they do. I am delighted that the ̽��ֱ�� can be involved in such a positive initiative.”

Richard Gould, Chief Executive at Villiers Park Educational Trust, added “We were delighted to be able to celebrate this year’s progress with so many Scholars, their families and staff from their schools.�� ̽��ֱ��involvement of the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge will be an added incentive for the young people to aspire for excellence”

• Photo (left to right): Richard Gould (Chief Executive, Villiers Park Educational Trust), Councillor Alan Roberts (Mayor of Hastings), Hayley Graham, Jack Doherty, Fern Pattinson and Russell Reid.