THE future of a Bolton community is in good hands according to a high school head as he waved goodbye to an outstanding set of school leavers.

Harper Green headteacher Peter Jefferies certainly had plenty to be proud of this year.

Harper Green School's annual presentation evening took place at the Albert Halls, Bolton.

In this year's GCSE results the Harper Green Road Year 11 pupils pulled out all the stops to break the school's own exam record.

This year, 97 per cent of pupils passed their GCSEs with 93 per cent gaining five or more passes.

On top of this 44 per cent of pupils in Year 11 gained five A* to C grades.

Mr Jefferies said that this figure was particularly noteworthy because when the outgoing Year 11 were assessed at the beginning of their school career at Harper Green it was predicted that 33 per cent would gain five A* to C's.

"We can be justifiably proud of their tremendous success," Mr Jefferies said. "Harper Green School was awarded a School Achievement Award in recognition of this.

"I would also like to congratulate the 119 pupils who gained GCSE passes one year early, in Year 10. It is a tremendous achievement."

Guest speaker for the evening was former pupil David Pollard who is now a deputy district judge.

He presented certificates, trophies and prizes to past pupils and current Year 11 pupils for exam success and other achievements such as Citizenship Merits.

There were also special presentations to lower school pupils for Academic Merits and Citizenship Merits.

Year 8 pupil Calum Bond was presented with the prestigious Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award.

Mr Jefferies added: "I would like to thank parents, teachers and the young people for their efforts to ensure the best possible future for each and every one of them.

"I would like to praise the young people for the sense of pride and progress they have given to the community and I feel the community of Farnworth, Kearsley and Great Lever is bright."