MORE than 50 students were honoured for their academic achievements in an awards ceremony.

Seevic College, in Thundersley, congratulated 54 students from the Class of 2013/14 on their outstanding achievements on vocational courses and in A-level exams.

Students were nominated for showing particular commitment to their studies and overcoming significant obstacles in order to complete their qualifications with the college.

Student of the Year award winner, Robyn Gibson, was surprised to take home the honour. She was selected for the Skills Star Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to securing the level two maths qualification she needed to be accepted on to a course at the University of Greenwich.

Robyn, 19, a former pupil of the Castle View School, Canvey, was also enrolled on the level three Btec extended diploma in health and social care at Seevic. She is continuing her studies at Greenwich in pursuit of her ambition to become a social worker.

Lisa Barnes, skills academy tutor, nominated Robyn for her hard work in maths.

Mrs Barnes said: “Robyn has overcome a number of barriers to arrive where she is today. Her greatest satisfaction has been proving wrong those people who said she would never achieve anything.

“She has worked doggedly at the maths and has certainly gone the extra mile. We wish her every success at university. We will all really miss her.”

Robyn said: “I’ve always known education is really important, and I’ve always wanted to go to university and become successful.

“I’m hoping to be a social worker.

I want to be able to help children and vulnerable adults inaway that gives them the opportunities to better themselves – which is kind of what Seevic has givenme.”

Students from across Seevic’s full range of courses were represented at the event, from Btec and A-level, to adult and higher education.

There were also award winners on supported internship, traineeship and apprenticeship programmes with the college.