ACADEMIC success was celebrated at Bury Grammar School (Boys) at the annual prize-giving ceremony.

Pupils were presented with their A-level and GCSE certificates and prizes by the special guest, The Venerable George Austin, formerly the Archdeacon of York.

Also attending the ceremony was the Rector of Bury, the Rev John Findon, who was recently appointed to the school's governing body.

Headteacher Mr Keith Richards congratulated the GCSE candidates who set new school records this year.

The 90 fifth-formers produced some of the best results in terms of pass rate and quality of grades.

The A-level results were also praised by Mr Richards.

The pupils' involvement in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as sport, drama, quizzes - including the school's performance on the popular Channel Four 15-1 programme - were also commended by the headteacher. He said: "All theses achievements, even though they do not contribute to any score in league tables, are just as important as academic success for the development of young people. So too are the good relationships we attempt to foster with the wider community."

The pupils' fund-raising efforts were also praised - they raised nearly £8,000 for national and local charities through various events last year.

Changes in the academic programme were highlighted by Mr Richards.

New examinations - A/S and A2 exams -are to be introduced next year for sixth formers.

Mr Richards said: "I am confident that we shall be able to put forward a workable scheme which is in the best interests of the boys and retains those valuable areas of our curriculum where progress cannot be quantified by performance in examinations."

He paid tribute to the work of his staff, governors and pupils.

"We must be proud of what our boys have achieved over the last 12 months and we can look forward to the challenges we face in the confidence that we shall continue to be successful," said Mr Richards.

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