THE difference between education and mere schooling was stressed by head teacher Alan Chambers at Park High School, Colne, presentation evening.

Mr Park reported a successful year and praised the hard work of staff and students.

The school continued to make significant progress in many areas, particularly with information and communication technology and a successful programme of staff development. GCSE results were a significant achievement as they met the set target with an improvement at all levels.

They also enjoyed successes at sport and were involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Mr Chambers said: "We must strive to create a culture within our society at large in which education is valued and the need to gain new knowledge and skills throughout a working life is recognised and accepted by all.

"Unfortunately, it saddens me to say that for too many people in this country education is simply not important enough."

It was important that the right balance was struck and while knowledge and skills were undoubtedly important in the education process they must not forget that education was about much more than just that.

It was about assisting in the development of rational, balanced, adaptable individuals who had well-developed personal and social skills.

Mr Chambers added: "If as a school we can play a part in the realisation of this we will truly have achieved something worthwhile.

"It really is all about understanding the difference between education and mere schooling."