THE hard work and dedication of exam students at Bishop's Stortford College was praised by headmaster John Trotman at the college's speech days.

Guest of honour was Professor Sandra Dawson, of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

Mr Trotman reflected on the numerous press stories circulating during the year about AS-levels and school standards.

And he praised the students and teachers for their efforts in the demanding programme of AS-levels, and also maintaining high levels of extra-curricular achievements.

He said: "Often the Press get it wrong about independent schools and are unfair in caricaturing independent school pupils. Our success should be admired and imitated, not sneered at or undermined."

The committed parents who make sacrifices on behalf of their children at the college, were also praised by Mr Trotman.

Earlier, the junior school speech day heard an end of year report from head teacher John Greathead and Prep School master Michael Potter.

The audiences were entertained with comical stories of Mr Potter's school days at Bishop's Stortford, but he stated there have been many changes in the world of education since then.