A HEADTEACHER praised the selflessness of students during a ceremony held to celebrate their successes.

St Augustine’s RC High School in Billington held its annual Celebration Evening where youngsters received their GCSE certificates and special awards.

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The ceremony reflected on the exam results and contributions to the community made by the 210 students.

It was attended by Cllr Maureen Fenton, deputy mayoress of Clitheroe, Cllr Richard Bennett and Marilyn Davies, deputy mayor and mayoress of the Ribble Valley and Cllr Tim O’Kane and Melanie Storey, mayor and mayoress of Hyndburn.

The guest of honour was former teacher Gareth Bowden who had been the pupil’s year leader for two years.

Headteacher Michael Wright said St Augustine’s GCSE results were a “testament to the combined efforts of pupils, parents and staff at school”.

He said: “For some pupils schoolwork can come easily and they take examinations in their stride. “For many, success comes more slowly and represents a great deal of effort and perseverance and our awards not only celebrate talent and achievement, but also the hard-work and determination of those who do not always succeed at the first attempt but showed resilience in the face of difficulties.

“Schools are about much more than exams and life at St Augustine’s is enhanced by a range of extra curricular activities, including a huge number of team sports, dance, music, and drama.

“Chaplaincy plays an important part of the life of the school, not least the many events organised that allowed our pupils to put their faith into action.

“It is uplifting to witness the selflessness of pupils in the charity events and fundraising efforts for local, national and global charities as well as looking after the senior citizens at their annual Christmas party.”

Mr Wright thanked staff and colleagues in their partner primary schools for preparing students for high school and sixth form partners St Mary’s College.

He also paid tribute to teachers Mr Holt, Mrs Belshaw, Mr Tomlinson and Mrs Keegan who, with 140 year’s experience between them, retired at the end of last year.

Mr Bowden presented pupils with their certificates and a number of special awards including the chaplaincy award for Charlotte Campbell and the Whalley Lions shield for service to the school community which was presented to Paul Bell and Thomas Priest.