A FAIRFORD school has launched a video at Cirencester's New Brewery Arts Centre celebrating the success of its students.

Coln House School, a special school for pupils aged 8-16 who suffer from social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, created a video focusing on pupils taking part in life-changing physical and mental challenges.

The school has embarked on a series of expeditions which allow pupils and staff to support each other in challenging conditions and enjoy the satisfaction of achieving a goal together.

Deputy headteacher Richard Lewis said the expeditions are a great success not only for those taking part, but as an inspiration for the whole school. "A big part of this is getting our students to believe in themselves and make them face difficult situations and work towards successful outcomes which will boost their self esteem."

The school’s first expedition was a 10 mile hike to the top of Pen y Fan and last October the school sent student Jack Edgell, to Everest Base Camp as part of ‘The Highest Classroom on Earth’ expedition, which was was televised by the BBC.

Jack described it as the opportunity of a lifetime. "I couldn’t have imagined I would make it as far as I have. It really was an extreme challenge. Experiencing the culture in Kathmandu and Nepal was shocking for me as I have never seen anything like it before," he said.

The video celebrating the successes of the school's students was shown to a number of businesses and other educational institutions from Gloucestershire and beyond at the New Brewery Arts Centre.