THE annual awards night at Gawthorpe High School, Padiham, was a celebration of success at a popular, over-subscribed school, headteacher Len Thomas told students and parents.

He said the awards reflected the tremendous hard work of staff, governors, parents and pupils. He praised the school-leavers in attaining 100 per cent pass rate for at least one GCSE, 88 per cent pass rate for at least five GCSEs and a 33 per cent success in top grades. "Everyone has done us proud,'' he added.

Former head teacher Trevor Nowell presented prizes to the lower school and John Turkington, chief executive of Turkington Engineering, Burnley, handed awards to the leavers and upper school.

Governors' chairman John Whitham, said he was delighted the school had demonstrated all-round achievement and had a staff so dedicated and committed to giving their best to achieve the best from individuals.

Head boy Andrew Woodcock, head girl Jenny Harper and deputy head boy James Speechley presented Mr Nowell and Mr Turkington with ornamental clocks. Retiring head boy Edward Walton, who achieved the school's best-ever results, eight *As and four As, gave a vote of thanks.

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