A TRIBUTE was paid to the headteacher of Pendle's largest high school during its annual awards evening in his absence, as an investigation into the financial management of the school continues.

Ernie Pickup, head of Mansfield High, Brierfield, missed delivering his annual speech during last night's ceremony because he has been asked by education bosses not to enter the school until the audit of its finances is completed.

His place was taken by acting head Ian Blackey who told the audience: "I must take this opportunity to acknowledge the enthusiasm and motivation of the head teacher Mr Ernest Pickup.

"Without his vitality, verve and vision we would not be in a position to celebrate such success."

Mr Blackey's speech did not refer to the investigation or Mr Pickup's absence.

Among the guests at the school were the Mayor of Brierfield, Mohammed Ramzan and Andrew Fawcett, director of education and training at Eltec, who presented the awards. Mr Blackey told the audience: "We are proud of the children and young people seated before us; proud for their parents, proud for the school and proud to belong to a thriving and improving institution."

During the summer GCSE exams 40 per cent of students entered achieved five or more subjects at grades A-C and 96 per cent got at least one pass. "We are rightly pleased with our external examination results while realising the obvious need to improve even more next year," said Mr Blackey.

He added: "We should recognise that schools exist to provide young people with something greater than simply good examination results.

"Life and social skills are also important. Our aim is to provide a rich and relevant education."

He celebrated the school's status as a technology college and marked pupils achievements in sport and in the community.

"I believe that Mansfield High School is highly valued by the community it serves and I would like to thank all the parents for their continued support," said Mr Blackey.

"The most valuable resource to any organisation is the people involved. I would like to thank all the teachers and support staff for their professional commitment and dedicated hard work, thus allowing the pupils to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented to them."

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