HERMITAGE Academy's acting head teacher says he has been “bowled over” by what he's seen in his short time in charge of the school.

David Mitchell told pupils, parents and staff at the school's annual awards ceremony that he was proud of the efforts of pupils and staff in adjusting to what he called “a time of significant change” in the school and the wider education sector.

The ceremony, held last week, saw the presentation of the school's top prizes for achievement in the classroom, the wider school and the community.

Mr Mitchell, who took over at Hermitage just four weeks before the awards ceremony and will remain in post until the appointment of a new, permanent, head teacher, said: “During these four weeks I have observed staff that are extremely hard working and their dedication to the young people is exceptional.

“The young people I have met are brilliant. Their work ethic and motivation is outstanding.

“It has been a real pleasure for me so far and I am looking forward to continuing getting to know the young people and the staff further during my time in the school.

“I promise you we will continue to work hard and make Hermitage Academy a centre of excellence - a true school of champions.”

Mr Mitchell told the parents present at the ceremony that Hermitage was a “happy and successful school” because of the strength of its partnerships between pupils, teachers, canteen staff, janitors, cleaners, clerical and support staff.

He added: “Our most important partnerships are with you, our parents. Because we share the most precious asset any school can have – your children.

“Thank you for continued support and thank you for entrusting us with your children. I promise you that we will continue to place them at the heart of every decision we make and to do the very best for them in the years to come.

“Hermitage Academy is a great school and don’t let anyone else tell you different.”

Addressing the former S6 pupils at the school who are now moving on to the world of work or to further or higher education, Mr Mitchell added: “I know that you will be excited and apprehensive as you move to the next stage, many of you leaving home to take up new challenges.

“I really hope that you have learned to learn and been helped to develop values which can lead you to a happy and successful future. I hope you will be inclined to help others, and to contribute to your community.

“Please don’t ever be cynical, never give up and do try to keep some of that childish sense of wonder.”

Alex Barker, the winner of the school's top academic award, the Cramb Medal, given to the most academically able pupil in S5, said: “I am honoured and thrilled to receive the Cramb Medal for my results.

“However I hope we can all appreciate that these trophies and awards don’t tell the full story of the fantastic achievements of the pupils at this school.

“Everyone worked incredibly hard this year and there are many not represented here this evening who have achieved just as much as we have in their results and we should celebrate them too.

“This school in recent times has been the subject of unjust criticism. I hope that the exam results for this year answer some of those comments.

“Results are a reflection of the time and effort an individual puts into their studies.

“The teachers at this school helped others and myself attain the results we all deserved, and I am proud to be a pupil and educated at Hermitage Academy.”

* The winners of the school's achievement awards for 2016-17 are as follows.

Cramb Medal winner – Alexandra Barker.

Ambassador Shield for bringing public recognition to the school – Hayden Cameron.

Jackie Baillie Award for excellence in modern studies – Connie Findlay.

Ann E. Hendry Award for mathematics - Kathleen Grant.

Rotary Club Cup for citizenship - Fiona Porter.

Barr Prize for excellence in science - Raymond Zhylin.

George Hood Award for contribution to environmental issues - Lynsey McBride and Vanessa Stephenson.

Joyce McEwan Award for excellence in international education - Ryan Brown and Lauren Fletcher.

Lord McFall Award for service to the community - Hayden Cameron and Adam Findlay.

Jeanette Scobie Award - Daniel Brown, Fraser Muir, Anthony Stewart, Stephen Stewart and Mark Turner.

Sarah Crichton Award for service to the school or community - Zoe Quant.

Lewis McLachlan Award - Ryan Brown.

Robert Pullin Price for music - Alexandra Barker.

Allan Peoples Trophy for music - Naomi Beggs.

Thouars Twin Town Association prize for French - Alexandra Barker.

FAB Shield for outstanding contribution to Friends Against Bullying - Elisabeth Chapman and Claire Watson.

The Petrie Cup (most outstanding individual providing service to the school) - Lewis Crawford and Megan Gall.

The Hermitage Quaich (awarded by the head teacher for outstanding leadership) - Callum Muir and Connie Findlay.

The Eddie Miller Cup for chemistry - Raymond Zhylin.

School Office Sunshine Award for outstanding character - Adam Findlay.

Peter Parlane Cup for practical PE - Leah Richardson and Claire Watson.

Modern Studies Department Award – Roslyn Taylor.

Modern Studies Association Award – Chloe Murphy.

Margaret Pender Award - Valantina O’Leary.