THE outstanding work of youngsters at Foxes Academy in Minehead has been celebrated with an awards evening.

The students, who all have learning disabilities, have been developing their skills in independence and training to work in the hospitality and catering industry.

Special awards were given out to students, including best newcomer.

Sarah Merriman was awarded first place for the Outstanding Award for improving in every single area.

Daniel Plowman was awarded second place for growing in his independence and Freya Boxall was awarded third place for gaining enormous confidence in her work.

Hollie Arrowsmith won the award for Best Newcomer.

She faced the huge challenge of leaving her parents and home back in September and has shown the ability to learn new skills and become far more independent.

Foxes Academy has also been selected by Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, to feature as a case study in Ofsted’s Further Education and Skills annual report.

Principal Sharon Bowden said: “This is an amazing achievement when you take into account that of our 1,467 Further Education colleges across the country only 12 were mentioned in the report and we were one of them.

“We were singled out for outstanding record in preparing learners to move on, with the large majority going on to semi-independent living and finding paid of voluntary work.

“We are all so proud to be identified as one of the best colleges in the county.”

The presentations were followed by a performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by some of the students and concluded with a Christmas Ball.