AFTER more than 70 years of educating the town's young, Radcliffe High will pass on the role to a new school.

In her speech at the school's last ever prizegiving evening, headteacher Diana Morton offered her hopes for the future.

A merger with Coney Green means that the school, which was opened as Radcliffe Central Senior School, is no more.

However, a powerful legacy remains in its old quadrangles, which now form the West campus of Radcliffe Riverside School.

Mrs Morton said: "Radcliffe High School has a history of which it can be proud.

"The successes of the past will be remembered and built upon.

"In the future I have no doubts that the students of Radcliffe Riverside will continue to excel.

"The staff will continue to develop high levels of teaching and learning and parents will continue to value the education provided."

The year had been "memorable, exciting and rewarding", said Mrs Morton and the school could celebrate "marvellous" GCSE results.

The number of students gaining five or more A* to C grades was the highest since 1999.

In the past two years, the proportion of students achieving the top five grades had increased by ten per cent.

And it had been a good year for boys in particular, with male students bucking the trend to outperform girls.

Mrs Morton said: "Radcliffe High School students have excelled themselves.

"For that I would like to thank the hardworking dedicated and committed staff who work daily to establish excellent relationships with the students who in return work with equal effort and determination.

"The staff never stop working for the good of all students."

A new school building will provide a focus for the community and be used by old and young, said Mrs Morton.

It would serve as a "reward" for all concerned in the past with Radcliffe High, and would include a library and internet cafe.

Mrs Morton then made an appeal for all to unite under the banner of one school.

She said: "I ask that you all now commit yourselves to the future of Radcliffe Riverside School within our community. Students, staff and parents need your commitment.

"We must ensure that the students of the new school can look forward to the same level of achievement as those of the old and that Radcliffe Riverside School is established at the heart of the town's community."

Former headteacher of the school, Mr Alan Smith, was present to hand over the well-earnedprizes.