SETTLE College welcomed back former head boy Charles Hirst as guest speaker at its annual senior prizegiving event.

He emphasised that there was no secret ingredient to success apart from sheer hard work, effort, determination and a desire to be the best you can be.

Charles recently graduated with a first class honours degree in materials science from Trinity College, Oxford.

The event - at St Alkelda’s Church, Giggleswick - recognised the many achievements of students in last year’s years 11, 12, and 13.

In her opening address, Rosemary Rees, chairman of governors, commented on the recent Ofsted inspection.

"After a rigorous two days in which every aspect of Settle College was forensically investigated, we were declared to be a good school," said Mrs Rees. "We knew that already, but to have our belief confirmed by Ofsted, who use stringent criteria in reaching their judgements, was a wonderful accolade and a tribute to everyone involved in creating a good school."

The principal, Michele Costello, congratulated the students on their amazing achievements and highlighted students' many successes.

She said: "I am delighted to share with you, once again, that we continue to be in the top ten per cent of schools in the country, based on value added measures for GCSE. Our attainment at GCSE is also significantly above national averages as is progress for all groups of students.

"Our A-level results were the best ever in the summer, with 54 per cent of grades being the top grades of A*, A and B - an increase of 20 per cent in two years. Ninety-three per cent of Year 13 students secured their first choice university places and more students than ever before are going on to study at the top universities."

Ms Costello also emphasised the importance of a well-rounded education.

"Academic success, of course, is important but we are about more than that at Settle College. We encourage our students to develop a growth mind set where they are inspired by the success of others, embrace new challenges, thrive on feedback, support and encourage each other, are resilient and overcome obstacles and ultimately expect excellence in all that they do," she added.