HEADTEACHER David Clayton has declared his last full year in charge of Burnley Habergham High School a "golden one".

Mr Clayton spoke at the lower school awards evening, held last week, when he also presented the school's annual report.

It will be the last time Mr Clayton presents such a report, because he is due to retire in December.

He said the school had done very well in public exams and in sport.

He said: "The Key Stage 3 results in English, maths and science have surpassed the most ambitious targets.

"The GCSE results were the best ever, with a year group who, in theory, should have had no more than 48 per cent five or more higher grades, reaching 66 per cent.

"That explains why we are a beacon school"

He added: "At A-level, the sixth form centre has kept the name of Burnley high in the national league tables, with this year's students reaching the best ever totals.

"A 98 per cent pass rate, with 70 per cent of grades being A, B or C level. And 18 subjects recorded 100 per cent passes with large numbers of students going to the universities of their choice."

In sport, he said, girls had once again triumphed in inter-school athletics and cross-country, while boys had a glorious cricket season.

The under-13s were county champions, the under-12s won the Craig Heaton Trophy and the First XI beat the MCC.

Mr Clayton went on to wish his successor, Stuart Smith, an "enjoyable period in office."

He said: "I hope that the school continues to flourish in the future."

Chief guest at the awards was Patricia Taylor, a former pupil of the school and now headmistress of Parson Mead School, Surrey.

She urged pupils to always do their best and never be depressed by short-term failure.