TEACHERS at Haslingden High School are offering an “excellent” education according to a government minister.

The school has been recognised as the “ninth most improved school in the country” this week, giving staff and pupils something to shout about.

Schools’ Minister Vernon Coaker wrote a personal letter of commend-ation to headteacher Eve Challinger.

He said: “I am delighted to congrat-ulate you and your school.

“The results for your school show that you are amongst the top performing schools this year based on sustained improvement in the proportion of pupils achieving 5+ A*-C GCSEs (and equivalent) including English and mathematics GCSEs and also amongst the top performing schools based on the Key Stage 2-4 Contextual Value Added measure.

“This is an excellent achievement shared with only 11 other schools that have performed as well in both measures.”

The school’s GCSE students achieved an impressive 74 per cent of their grades at levels A*-C during last year’s exams which caught the attention of the school’s minister.

Mrs Challinger said: “We are delighted our achievements have been recognised.

“The huge improvements in standards and progress is a credit to the hard work of our students and the commitment and dedication of our staff.

"Special thanks must also go to our parents for their support. We are truly delighted.”

This month the school has also been told it will receive funding from the Building Schools for the Future scheme to improve its facilities.