GOVERNORS from Sir John Barrow School in Ulverston are celebrating after scooping a top national award.

The governing board was named winner in the outstanding governance in a single school category at the National Governance Association’s (NGA) Outstanding Governance Awards 2017.

The category recognises governing bodies that have improved significantly over time and in doing so have made specific impacts on their school and its pupils.

They were among twelve governing boards and five clerks who received awards presented by Lord Nash (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the School System).

Announcing Sir John Barrow School as of one three category winners, judges Duncan Haworth and Siddique Hussain described the governing board as 'demonstrating excellent interaction with school pupils, parents and staff' and praised its engagement with stakeholders.

Janet Heffernan, chair of the governing body at Sir John Barrow School said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this prize for Outstanding Governance. It reflects the hard work and commitment of all of our governors, but also the willingness of our staff, pupils and wider community members to engage with us as we conduct our business.

"One of the features of our work which was highlighted by the judges was our good engagement with stakeholders, and we are able to do this because of the understanding that these stakeholders have of the importance of our children's education and its impact on the lives of our local families and the community."

Helen Pemberton, head teacher of Sir John Barrow School added: "We are delighted as a school to win the award. I feel very privileged to work alongside such committed and highly skilled governors and am really pleased that the difference they make for the children at SJB has been recognised."