SCHOOL REPORT: A non-fee paying Foundation School with an entrance exam at 11 years old. Over 1,200 pupils attend the school, which has Technology College Status and the motto Fide et labore (Through faith and work).

Headteacher Martyn Morris was appointed in April 1988. In 2002, at GCSE level 55% of all entries were A or A* with 99% of students gaining at least five A to C passes. Eight of our GCSE candidates were awarded one of the top 5 marks in the whole of the country. The A-level results in 2002 were the second best that the school ever achieved, in that 180 students passed 628 exams, grades A to E. In the recent value-added league tables B.R.G.S. was in the top three in Lancashire and fifth in terms of Lancashire exam league tables.

PRESENT PUPILS: There are 1,228 pupils from ages 11 to 18. We have the second largest school sixth form in Lancashire.

HISTORY LESSON: Towards the end of the 17th century, land was bequeathed by a certain John Kershaw to endow a school in Waterfoot. The school was eventually opened in 1701 and later moved to better premises in Newchurch. By the end of the 19th century, Newchurch Grammar School had established a sound reputation. The teachers became the nucleus of the new staff at Bacup and Rawtenstall Secondary and Technical School opened in 1913. During the First World War, 37 pupils lost their lives. The Second World War, with the educational level needed for aircrews, took its toll on students, remembered on a school plaque and on the grand piano, bought in their memory.

STAR PUPILS: Betty Jackson, fashion designer; Sir John Egan, industrialist. In 2002, eight students gained their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. In 2002, Danny Hoyle in the Boys' Year 8 category of the National Orienteering Championships came fifth in his group and Emily Lester also came fifth in the Girls' Year 8 category. In 2002, eight exam candidates were awarded one of the top 5 marks in the country: Sam Foster, Sarah Terry, Nicola Pilkington, Ruth Syers, Catherine Miller, Laura Eastwood, Gemma Rosthorne and Nancy Whiting.

OUT AND ABOUT: Extra-curricular activities include music tuition, clubs, societies and school teams. Every year since 1997 at least one netball team has reached the National Finals. We are regularly regional champions at basketball. BRGS has a long history of achievement in sport and has enjoyed recent success at national and county championship level in netball, basketball and orienteering. Additionally, pupils from BRGS have been national representatives in jujitsu, judo, ice hockey, karting and kickboxing. Our Year 7 Boys were national orienteering champions in 2002.

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT: Our staff teach science, mathematics and technology in seven local primary schools and local primary classes use our information technology facilities. In partnership with a local comprehensive school we offer ICT evening classes and video-conferencing lessons.

THE PARENTS?: Parents are involved in the school, including Home-School Agreement, admissions' evenings, open door policy and an active PTA. We also have a committed governing body of 23 governors.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A £100,000 WINDFALL?: Build a new sports hall.