OLYMPIC medallist Samantha Murray presented this year’s prizes at Clitheroe Moorland Private School’s annual prizegiving ceremony.

Sam, a former pupil at the school, won silver in the modern pentathlon at London 2012.

Headteacher Jonathan Harrison said the majority of students had achieved two grades higher than predicted at GCSE, which has seen Moorland achieve some of the best academic results in the North West.

In football, Moorland students have been selected for England junior honours, while former student John Cofie was signed by Manchester United. Moorland is also the East Lancashire junior training facility for Premier League champions Manchester City.

The school plans to introduce more facilities and subjects while a new sixth form centre is set to open in Setember 2013.

Speaking about the guest, Mr Harrison said: “Samantha has set young people a fantastic example.

“She has always said you can achieve your dreams and we believe that at Moorland.

“We are very proud of all our children.”