PUPILS, parents and staff have been praised by a headteacher for playing their part in a successful year at an Accrington high school.

Frank Havard thanked colleagues, children and their families during a speech at Hollins High's presentation evening.

Mr Havard revealed pupils were achieving the best GCSE results in the school's history and achievements in all areas were beating local education authority targets.

He also criticised the government's league table system for failing to acknowledge a wide range of success outside the exam room.

He pointed to the school's Young Enterprise scheme, called Bright Ideas, partnership with local businesses such as Blythe's Chemicals of Oswaldtwistle, and sporting success which included a clean sweep at the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Athletics Championship.

Mr Havard said: "Results are better and achievements are higher by pupils right across the ability range.

"The government's narrow political agenda of league tables, targets and success criteria tell only a very limited story of what a community such as The Hollins achieves.

"Education is about school, parents and pupils. Schools need the support of parents and families to set the foundation upon which a successful school education can build.

"We are evolving and responding to the ever increasing rate of change imposed on us. We have our own internet site and refurbished science labs, new classrooms, meeting rooms and a new reception will be built in the coming year.

"I would like to congratulate all the staff for their outstanding work and thank a team of dedicated professionals, helpers and supporters."

Mr Havard also revealed that teacher Kath Lawson, who completed a BSc in Maths earlier this year, would receive an award for the achievement.

The award, which marks professional success while teaching, was donated by former deputy head Val Malcolm, who left the Hollins Lane school for Withins School, Bolton, where she will become head in January. PRIZEWINNERS TROPHIES - Art: Paul Tattersall. English: Mark Taylor. Geography: Victoria Gibson. History: Garry Watson. IT: Christopher Cohen. Mathematics: Mark Taylor. Modern Languages: Caroline Smith. Music: Caroline Smith. Sport: Hayley Dixon. RE: Sultana Begum. Technology: Cara Bell. Technology (Wood): Roger Parker. Technology (Realisation): Mark Ryan. Technology (Graphics): Mark Taylor. Science: Paul Tattersall.

Lancashire Maths Challenge (HRV): Steven Barnes and Heather King. The Val Malcolm Award: Mrs K Lawson BSc.

Special Trophies -- Service to the Community: Sarah Brotherton. Caring for Others: Farzana Nazir. Merit: Mark Taylor. Outstanding GCSE Results: Mark Taylor.

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