A VISUALLY impaired student who completed her GCSEs in braille has been praised for her “outstanding success”.

Monica Evans picked up an “excellent” set of results today at Philip Morant School and College in Colchester where staff praised her dedication and hard work over the past five years.

Monica, who is registered blind and has a severe visual impairment, completed all her exams in braille and achieved the necessary grades to join Sigma Sixth to start her level 3 qualifications in criminology and health and social care.

Monica said: “I would like to thank everyone at Philip Morant for all the support I have received. I’m looking forward to the challenge of my next level of qualifications.”

Her achievements have been praised by the school with Michaela Bacon, Qualified Teacher of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVI), saying: “A massive well done to Monica, who has achieved her five years of learning through touch with outstanding success.”

Stephanie Neill, Head of Philip Morant, added: “Given the events of the last three years, resilience, determination and commitment have rightly been key words in describing student achievements this year.

“Monica has displayed all three of these characteristics in abundance. She has worked so hard work and deserves all her achievements, and our congratulations, today.”