THE headteacher at one of East Lancashire’s oldest grammar schools has paid tribute to the success of its students at his final prize giving ceremony.

Simon Corns, of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, led his tenth and final prize giving service before he moves to Brighton College in Abu Dhabi in January.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The dad-of-two has been at the school since 2007 and he had great words to say about the students he would be leaving behind after their work in the academic year.

Mr Corns said: “There is so much here at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School that I will miss.

“Above all I will miss the pupils who are our strongest asset. No matter how infuriating the occasional one can be, as in any school they are as a body polite and courteous.

“It is because of this ethos that our pupils gain a confidence that will stand them in food stead with future employer.”

At the ceremony the school celebrated gaining 72 per cent A* grades at A-level and a 98 per cent pass rate overall.

It also achieved 82.5 per cent A* to C grades, including English and Maths, and 30 per cent A* and A grades.

As he begins to prepare to step down, MrCorns said he had looked at both what the school had achieved, including changing to become a free school, and to its future.

Mr Corns said: “Had we not taken tough decision when we did, there would not be a school now.

“Much more interesting than any consideration of the past is to think about the future and the challenges and opportunities that will face the school.”