NEW head of Barden High School, Burnley, Dr Adrian Lythgoe, revealed to an audience at the annual prize-giving that a key factor of his attraction to the school was it's logo: 'Achievement Through Caring and Partnership."

That, he said, summed up his own philosophy of education.

Caring was about recognising and responding to the needs of an individual and without partnership with pupils and parents, the pupils would not make the progress they should.

There had been a move away from individuals and their needs and achievements, with a greater and greater emphasis being placed on crude statistical measures of school performance, which did not give a true picture.

"At Barden," he said, "it is important and considered a strength that we treat each boy as an individual striving to ensure that they realise their full potential, both in terms of academic performance and personal growth."

Schools were about far more than examination results. Barden constantly sought to offer a wide range of experiences and activities, from poety to sport.

Dr Lythgoe added: "Barden is a very good school with dedicated, capable staff and a population of decent boys who respond positively to school life.''

Prizes were presented by John Smith, principal of Burnley College.

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