A once-failing school in Kidderminster has won a national award celebrating its transformation.

The award was presented to Baxter College to recognise excellence in public services.

Judges decided it was worthy of an award after hearing how the college had seen GCSE examination results rise from 13 per cent A to C grades to 54 per cent in just four years.

They were told that the turn-around was due to the joint efforts of stakeholders and the outstanding leadership of principal Dave Seddon.

Journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark, hosted an awards ceremony sponsored by a national newspaper in London.

She said: “Thanks to the creation of a strategic leadership team, led by principal Dave Seddon, Baxter College has seen an amazing rise in GCSE grades. At the heart of this recent success is the recruitment and retention of outstanding teachers.”

A spokesman for the sponsors said: “The college has transformed itself and by doing so improved the quality of opportunity for its pupils. The judges thought the staff at Baxter College showed real enthusiasm and dedication to continuing their recent transformation.”