STUDENTS and staff from Minehead's inspirational Foxes Academy were joined by families at The Regal Theatre on Friday (December 14) to celebrate the achievements of 2018.

Foxes' principal Tracey Clare-Grey welcomed the 350-strong audience by asking them to celebrate the unprecedented success of gaining a third consecutive 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating and winning the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Overall Further Education Provider and Specialist Provider 2018.

Ms Claire-Grey said: "Everything Foxes Academy and Hotel does is focused on its students and ensuring that they reach their potential in life, despite the daily challenges that learning disabilities present.

"Foxes won the award against the country's top mainstream education providers, We are the best of the best, and that is something we can all be proud of.

"We will continue to work really hard to maintain our outcomes, lobbying Government and building partnerships with hospitality employers to share the positive benefits that employing a young person with a learning disability brings."

Overall 75 per cent of Foxes' 2018 graduates moved into supported accommodation, with 86 per cent entering employment, of which 43 per cent are paid. The national average employment rate for people with learning disabilities hovers at about 6 per cent.

The Academy recognised its top three inspirational learners, and for the first time this year the winners were nominated by both staff and students.

In third was Stephen Lethaby, who has hydrocephalus and speech and language problems but makes amazing coffee for hotel guests and always serves them with a smile.

Second was Emily Fox who has Downs Syndrome but displays boundless energy in her food service role, while in first was Town Hawkins, who also has Downs Syndrome who recently represented young people with learning disabilities by giving evidence about work experience to a Select Committee in the Houses of Parliament.

The awards were followed by a festive production of 'The Greatest Snowman' performed by the Foxavision drama group.