'PARRENTHORN must ensure that it remains one of the best schools in Bury, providing a first class education for all pupils in the community', according to its headteacher.

Mr Mick Fitzgerald spoke proudly of the school on Heywood Road at its annual prizegiving ceremony.

He said it had come fourth in the borough's league table, behind St Monica's, Bury Church and Woodhey, and enjoyed the best GCSE results the school had ever achieved.

Mr Fitzgerald also spoke highly of the continued support from teaching staff, non-teaching staff, pupils, parents and governors.

'This support has never been more crucial at a time when secondary provision across the borough is being reviewed,' he said. 'My view is that we must ensure this school remains one of the best schools in Bury, providing a first class education for all pupils in the community. That is the way we ensure its long term future.'

As reported in the Guide, Parrenthorn High School is one of eight schools highlighted for possible merger or closure.

As well as commenting on the school's future, Mr Fitzgerald spoke about its past and present and singled out the good relationship it enjoys with local primary schools.

Special guest for the evening was Les Horton, former headteacher at Park View Primary, who now works part time for the LEA helping newly qualified teachers as they start their careers. Mr Fitzgerald said: 'Primary education is vital to the long term success of children and we are fortunate to have such good primary schools in this area.

'Our relationship with our primary schools is as strong as it has ever been.

'This celebration is as much a celebration of the achievements of our primary schools as it is ours.'

He paid tribute to the year group who had recently left, describing them as special'.

'They were not always easy,' he said. 'Some were downright awkward at times. Some were highly motivated, others needed pushing. Some were quiet and just got on with it.

'Others were loud and difficult. As a year group they had a great loyalty to each other and the school. They had a great sense of fun.'