A CHARISMATIC group of teenagers from a Cotswolds school are flying high after achieving a prestigious public speaking award.

The 16 pupils at Shipston High School all took part in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts Speaking in Public examination over the summer.

The Level Three qualification is the equivalent of an A Level, meaning all the students - three in year eight, five in year nine and eight in year 10 – have achieved UCAS points they can use if they apply for university in the future.

The students were all required to make three different speeches, including one with only 15 minutes preparation time, and answer questions about the theory of speaking.

Headteacher Jonathan Baker said: “These students have done amazingly well in an examination intended for much older students and they have shown, yet again, the exceptional depth of talent in the school.

“Public speaking is really important in helping students build up their confidence and character and it teaches them a skill much in demand by higher education and employers.”

Some of the students will demonstrate their speaking skills at an open evening from 7pm on Thursday, September 18.