By Dollie Wilson

A Dorset school is celebrating after being given the top prize at a national awards ceremony.

Milton Abbey, between Blandford Forum and Dorchester, was named BTEC School of the Year at the awards show which acknowledged the range and quality of courses offered by schools across the whole country.

The prizes were presented by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body for academic and vocational qualifications, who recognised the school’s expertise in delivering a variety of BTEC courses.

Judith Fremont-Barnes, headteacher of Milton Abbey, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded BTEC School of the Year. It is a wonderful recognition of Milton Abbey’s commitment to excellence, in and beyond the classroom.

“From countryside management to hospitality, from enterprise and entrepreneurship to digital creative media – our students can follow their passions and find just the right course of study.”

The school also received silver awards for Teacher of the Year and Creative Media Student of the Year, plus a bronze award for Business and Enterprise Student of the Year.

Darius Bamberg, who received the silver award for Creative Media Student of the Year, said: “The BTEC course I took in film and TV visual effects has enabled me to learn the necessary skills I need to progress with my career of choice, due to the practical element that BTECs offer.”

Milton Abbey places a high priority on employability and believe that their wide range of courses prepare students well for the world of work and higher education.

As part of their focus on future employability, the school runs an innovative 'entrepreneur in residence' scheme, with lectures and business mentoring from household names including designers Cath Kidston and Johnnie Boden.

The scheme allows students to pitch ideas for a start-up business and receive funding to help make their ideas a reality. This year’s winner, Joe Sturdy, who received a bronze award for Business and Enterprise Student of the Year, is already in business converting mountain bikes to electric bikes.

For more information about courses and other opportunities available at Milton Abbey School visit: www.miltonabbey.co.uk.