A SCHOOL in Shaw is sitting 34th in the medal table after former students Stuart Bithell and Matt Walls won gold at the Olympics.

At the time of writing, Crompton House's two gold medals mean the school on Rochdale Road is level with Kosovo and Qatar, and above the likes of India, Mexico and South Africa.

Bithell, who left Crompton House in 2002, topped the podium alongside Dylan Fletcher in the men's 49er sailing on Tuesday.

And Walls, who left the school in 2016, dominated the men's omnium cycling on Thursday.

Headteacher Karl Newell was at Crompton House during the education of both Olympians.

He expressed pride in the achievements of the school's former students.

He said: "It's fantastic that they've both achieved a gold medal this year.

"We've always supported everyone when they've had ambitions or interests outside school.

"Matt in particular is a great example of someone who managed to do his A-Levels and at the same time take his passion to a world class level.

"It's just a great achievement and we were all over the moon when they achieved what they've achieved."

Mr Newell added that the Olympians were 'great students' with 'great personalities' and 'a brilliant sense of humour'.

And he was confident that the pair will not let success go to their heads.

"Despite becoming some of the most famous people in the north west, I'm sure they'll stay level-headed and keep their feet on the floor," he said.