BROADCHURCH creator Chris Chibnall told students at a Bridport school that ‘everything is possible’.

The theme of the Sir John Colfox School’s senior prizegiving was: “Education can change lives.”

Chris Chibnall, who lives in Bridport, treated the senior school to an inspiring speech encouraging the students to believe that everything is possible if you work to make it happen.

Drawing on his own experiences, he said: “This is an exciting time to be young. With the digital revolution you have opportunities and choices which can make a real difference to yourself and the world around you.” He encouraged students to aim high and find a career they can be passionate about. Headteacher Kay Taylor told the audience she had begun teacher training in 1983 so this was her 30th year in teaching.

She reminisced about the different schools she has taught in and said it was a privilege to work with young people.

“Teachers, like parents, are incredibly lucky to be in the position where we can help influence and shape young people,” she said.

She reminded her audience of parents, students and local dignitaries, of the importance of education and how much others have suffered to gain what we take for granted.

“Education is the key to changing lives”, she said. She praised all the students for their hard work and commitment and particularly those who, while getting excellent academic results, also gave up their time to help others.

At GCSE Katherine Neame took the award, sponsored by Groves Nurseries, for the best overall performance by a girl and Rhys Kirpatrick took the equivalent prize for a boy, sponsored by Bradfords.

Rebecca Talbot took the prize for best vocational student, sponsored by Liberty Kitchens, and Jordan Bird for best progress, sponsored by Hays Teaching Agency.

At AS level Jasmine Mather took the award for best performance by a girl, sponsored by Creeds the Printers, and Lawrence Pearse the boys’ trophy, sponsored by Bridport Sports.

For A level Danielle Donovan won the girls’ award sponsored by Sir John Colfox, and Oliver Hibbs the boys’, also sponsored by Sir John.

Declan Smith received a special award for progress in the sixth form, sponsored by Hays Teaching Agency.

There were some outstanding nominations for community prizes across all year groups and Mrs Taylor stressed that it was extremely difficult to pick a winner from these students.

In year 10 Charlotte Johnson took the Humphrey Dibdin award for contribution to the school and the community. In year 11 the prize, sponsored by Carpet World, went to Nicole Kimber who is highly involved with school sport and is also a great support within the house community.