SCHOOL leavers at West Craven High Technology College were praised for their ‘stunning’ GCSE results in an ‘electric’ prize giving ceremony.

Headteacher Arnold Kuchartschuk said goodbye to the academic year that personified the spirit of the ‘spitfire’ and produced the best GCSE results in the Barnoldswick school’s history.

Mr. Kuchartschuk said: “In my speech to them, I asked them how they thought I’d describe them.

“Were they a Rolls Royce school year? Were they a Porsche school year?

“In the end, I could only describe them as a spitfire - the determination they have shown to push forward and achieve the best they can has really embodied the spirit of the spitfire.”

A number of academic awards were given out during the course of the evening on Thursday and musical performances from the students set the tone for the very special event.

Nationally, this year, top grade results plummeted for second year in a row and Mr Kuchartschuk made special reference to the school’s GCSE English results, which managed to improve on last year.

“For this year group to achieve during a time when exams are being made harder is a real testament to their hard work and the amazing support of their parents and teachers.

“It’s a stunning achievement and everyone had a wonderful celebration.

“It was an electric evening. ”

Prize Winners The Barnoldswick and Earby Rotary Club Cup for community work: Sarah Crompton.

The Colne Lions Cup for community work: Jessica Wright.

Frank Bannister Prize for English: Emma Pease.

Harry and Mary Bracewell Prize for English: Tara Quinn.

Mary Shield's Rosebowl for Food Technology: Emma Cutler.

The Millennium Prize: Oliver Beckwith.

Nelson and Colne College Award (perseverance and Progress): Nikki Harper.

The Beth Rogan Award: Robbie Middleton.

Rolls Royce Trophy for Excellence in Maths and Physics: Jack Thomas.

Rolls Royce Shop Stewards Prize (Engineering).

The Silent Night Prize for Perseverance and Progress: Melissa Bradley.

The Prom Committee Cup: Chloe Bickerdyke.

The Isherwood Award for PE: Amy Gornall.

L/Cpl Jordan Bancroft Memorial Trophy: Lauren Heaton.

Excellence in PE: Nikki Harper Excellence in overall academic achievement: Nikki Harper and Jordan Davies.