FOR THE fifth consecutive year, final year pupils at St Andrew's School, Meads, have won more than 20 scholarships, exhibitions and all-round awards to a variety of top senior schools including Eastbourne College, Sevenoaks, Moira House Girls' School and St Bede's The Dicker. This year's total of 30 awards is believed to represent an all-time high for the school.

The awards include ten academic scholarships and exhibitions, four music scholarships and exhibitions, three all-round awards, seven sports scholarships and exhibitions, four art scholarships and exhibitions, one drama scholarship and one drama exhibition.

Katie Wicks excelled by being named a Forbes Wastie Scholar having won a major music scholarship and an academic exhibition to Eastbourne College.

Tom Biltcliffe, also going to Eastbourne College, was made a Forbes Wastie exhibitioner for his outstanding efforts in sport and academic work, while Natalie Pollard was awarded a sport and music exhibition to Moira House.

Max Kotz, who gained a music scholarship to Sevenoaks School, is excited about moving there but will miss St Andrew's.

He said: "I will miss all my friends and the teachers at St Andrew's as I have been here since reception and so I do feel a little nervous. I will also miss the wonderful sport and range of activities we can all take part in here."

Headmaster Jeremy Griffith said: "It's been an awesome year for scholarships and other awards and I'd like to congratulate all those who've worked so hard to achieve these fine results. Such success, in so many different disciplines, demonstrates our belief in a broad curriculum which allows children to develop their talents to the full.

"It also says a great deal about the quality of our staff whose ability to inspire and guide their pupils is an equal source of pride to me."

St Andrew's is Eastbourne's leading standalone preparatory school for girls and boys aged two to 13. Please call the school office on 01323 733203 and ask to speak with Sue Offord for more details or to arrange a visit.

In the last five years more than 150 scholarships and awards have been won to the following schools: Battle Abbey, Beechwood, Benenden, Brighton, Bryanston, Buckswood, Clifton College, Eastbourne, Harrow, Hurstpierpoint, King's Canterbury, Lancing, Millfield, Moira House, Oundle, Roedean, St Bede's The Dicker, St Leonard's Mayfield, Wells Cathedral, Westminster.