Prince Henry's held their annual speech day last week on the back of their excellent exam results of last year, which placed them in the top three per cent of schools nationally.

This fact was represented at the event, which took place last Friday and was attended by guest speaker Christine Jones, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Other civic dignitaries at the event included Mayor Frances Smith, chairman of Worcestershire County Council Derek Prodger and chairman of governors John Painter.

The school showed their success was no fluke as they have averaged a place in the top four per cent of national schools in the last three years.

There were 100 prize winners present at the event and they covered a huge range of subjects. These included merit prizes, sports awards, mathematical endeavours, languages, science, drama, engineering and the headteacher's award.

In among the prize-giving and speeches there was a musical performance of Lent, from Telemann's G-Major concerto and later a rendition of the national anthem.

Headteacher Bernard Roberts took the time to reflect on another successful school year, stressing the encouragement given to the pupils to continue into further education.

"We have been very successful in encouraging and promoting awareness among year 11 pupils of the importance of education after age 16.

T"his year we are close to attaining 100 per cent success rate in terms of our 300 year 11 pupils, either returning to school, going on to college, gaining apprenticeships or getting jobs with training."

Mr Roberts added "In conclusion I believe the last school year has been another very strong one.