The Rams' eight second-year Academy scholars have passed their education programme with flying colours.

As well as their football development, the teenagers are all put through their paces off the field with the ultimate aim of achieving the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence.

Tyron Amory, Ross Atkins, Mark Dudley, Mario Loesch, Matt Richards, Anthony Robertson, Paris Simmons and Robert Ujcik all passed with flying colours.

They earned a BTEC National Certificate in Sport at Level 3 (equivalent to two A Levels), the NVQ in Football at Level 3, the Level 2 FA Certificate in coaching football, as well as key skills in application of number and communication.

Bill Morley, the Academy's education and welfare officer, offered his congratulations to the eight players.

He said: "The achievements are made even more pleasing because, in addition to the 100 per cent poass rate, their BTEC National Certificate grads - with many merits and distinctions - have been the best achieved at the club to date.

"They give all of the eight boys the optiono to further develop academic or coaching careers in the future.

"To all of them, whether they are returning as young professionals at the start of pre-season or moving on to new opportunities, we send our congratulations and best wishes."

Departing the club for pastures new are Amory, Loesch, Robertson and Ujcik.

Midfielder Richards turned professional on his 17th birthday some 18 months ago while one-year deals have been offered to Atkins, Dudley and Simmons.

Simmons made his first-team bow as a second-half substitute in the final day of the Premier League season against Reading.

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