A SPECIALIST college in Minehead has become the first to achieve a triple 'outstanding' Ofsted score.

Foxes Academy, Selbourne Place, was given the accolade after an inspection took place on June 13-15.

The college, which was given the highest possible score in all areas of the inspection, a clean sheet the college has already achieved twice before.

Foxes Academy principal, Tracey Clare-Gray, said: “This fantastic result is testament to Foxes’ staff and our focus in ensuring learners are at the centre of everything we do.

"We continually reflect, review and adapt to ensure every young person reaches their full potential."

The outstanding score was announced to the school at the graduation ceremony held on Friday, July 20. The ceremony was attended by more than 450 students, family, friends and staff who gathered at the Crazy Horse venue in Butlin’s.

Two guest speakers held the crowd's attention as they spoke about their life experiences.

The first was Peter Avis, a multi-award-winning customer service and hospitality consultant who has launched an impressive amount of high-end restaurants and hotels. In 2014 he wont the Richard Branson Special Award for services to the community and the Catey Award for manager of the year.

Mr Avis explained how his struggles with dyslexia had not prohibited him from going on to shine in his field.

The second speaker was former pupil Harry Dawson, who now lives an independent live in Bath where he works at the Hilton Hotel.

Harry's entertaining speech outlined his day-to-day life now, including working, volunteering, and going to a host of clubs and activities.

The inspiring headteacher led the school through a humourous and emotional ceremony as the pupils were honoured for their achievements.

Awards were given out to the students who especially stood out over the year. The top three outstanding learner awards were given to Thomas Hawkins in third place, Roberta Watson in second place and the overall winner Youssef El Tawab. Harry Roberts won the Transition award for his commitment to going the extra mile to find work experience placements in his holidays.

Somerset County Gazette: AWARDED: The first Outstanding Learner of the Year Youssef El Tawab with principal Tracey Clare-Gray

AWARDED: The first Outstanding Learner of the Year Youssef El Tawab with principal Tracey Clare-Gray

As well as the incredible Ofsted score, which now makes them the only specialist provider to have received the perfect score three times over, the college is also celebrating after being named the Times Education Supplement (TES) Specialist Provider of the Year, and the Overall FE provider of the Year.

Ms Clare-Gray added: “Every year is exciting being at Foxes but this year has gone beyond our expectations.

"All in all a truly outstanding achievement, and I am very grateful to our dedicated staff in ensuring our students can rightfully take their place in a community and job of their choice.”

One particular achievement the college boasts is a high rate of employment for its learners. But not just employment - paid employment.

The Aurora Group MD operations, Kathryn Rudd, said: "Aurora is really proud to include Foxes Academy in the group.

"They are disability confident leaders and trailblazers in preparing young people with learning disabilities for the world of work and independent living.

"The fact that 81 per cent of their learners have been employed in the last year, with 43 per cent paid, is particularly impressive when you consider the employment rate nationally for people with learning disabilities is 5.8 per cent.”