STUDENTS from ACS Hillingdon International School celebrated the end of an era at their graduation ceremony, attended by 350 well-wishers, including family, teachers and friends.

The 45 students, aged 17 and 18, have just finished studying for their pre-university qualifications.

They studied either the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP), the Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, the Honours programme or the US High School Diploma.

IBDP is an international qualification that will allow students to continue their studies at universities worldwide. The AP is highly regarded by universities in North America, as is the High School Diploma.

Inspirational guest speaker at the graduation ceremony was diver Leon Taylor, Olympic silver medallist and mentor to Tom Daley.

Student speakers included Paul Olaiya and Andreas Erikson.

Paul said: “My time at ACS Hillingdon has enabled me to meet people from around the world and be part of an international community like no other I have experienced. I have learnt so much from my time here. ”

Dawn Ekstrom, High School Principal, said: “The ceremony was certainly one to remember. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to come together as a community and to hear from student speakers we have watched learn and grow, and the inspirational Leon Taylor.”