East Devon student achieves 100 per cent attendance
An East Devon sixth former is being honoured this week for what is thought to be a unique attendance record.
Mel Ayres did not miss a single day of lessons in the five years she spent in the main school at Axe Valley Community College.
Mel is now in the first year of the college’s sixth form studying for ‘A’ levels.
Attendance officers at Devon County Council cannot find another single instance of 100 per cent attendance over five years at a secondary school and so Melissa’s achievement may be unique in the county.
This Thursday (6th December) at 2pm, Mel will be presented with a certificate and vouchers by Devon’s principal education welfare officer, Beverley Dubash, at a celebration assembly at the college to mark her achievement.
Mel said: “When I was at Axminster Primary School I only had one afternoon off school in the whole time I was there. But for that I would have had 100 per cent attendance throughout my entire primary and secondary education.
“I think I got my work ethic from my mother. She also attended Axminster Primary School followed by The Axe Valley Community College and her attendance record was almost as good as mine. I was determined to beat her record.
“I have always enjoyed school because that’s where I see my friends. I still cannot imagine taking any time off if I can possibly help it. I genuinely enjoy my lessons.
“Of course there are times that I do feel a bit under the weather like everyone else, but if I missed school, I would only have to catch up later, so I’d rather go in. Generally though, I am fortunate that I don’t tend to get sick.”
Greg Horn, Head of Sixth Form at The Axe Valley Community College said, “Mel is a great example to other students. She is friendly, committed, hard working and a credit to the sixth form.”
Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools, Andrea Davis, said: “Melissa has set an excellent example.
“Unfortunately, I have to be at a council meeting at County Hall otherwise I would have been delighted to attend the assembly to congratulate Mel personally.
“It’s a old cliché but you have to be in school to learn and Mel is the proof of the pudding with an excellent set of GCSE results. “
