KIRKBIE Kendal School’s headteacher praised the school’s ‘excellent all round performance’ this year at the annual prize giving ceremony.

Speaking at Tuesday’s event Phil Hyman said: “In every department there has been outstanding achievement from the fabulous musical production of ‘FAME’ at the Brewery Arts theatre to the national and county honours achieved in sport.”

MORE TOP STORIES: Mr Hyman pointed out that A Level results this year saw Year 13 achieve 50 per cent of all grades at A*-B, while 83 per cent were awarded at A*-C.

He added that at GCSE level every student achieved GCSE passes and 16 students achieved all As and A*s.

Kirkbie Kendal’s teachers and support staff were praised for their outstanding work and Mr Hyman paid tribute to the four ‘very special’ teachers retiring after a total of almost 120 years of service.

“We are going to miss them here, it has been a privilege to work with them. Thank you to Mr Dawson Mr Nicholl, Mr Todner, and Mrs Whalley.”

The head commended students on their achievements outside the classroom, including 45 Year 10 students who achieved the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as eight students who have completed their Gold expedition and are working towards their Gold DofE award.

“A group of 10 students fund-raised for months with treasure hunts, auction of promises, climbed Hellvelyn to sell tea and coffee to raise £16,000 for a four week World Challenge Expedition in Mayalsia,” said Mr Hyman. “And the ‘icing on the cake’ at the end of the academic year has been the successful £800,000 bid to refurbish and develop the creative and performing arts at the school.”

Coun Clare Feeney-Johnson, who presented the prizes, said: "The wealth of talent these young people show is humbling and a cause of great pride, not only for the school but the wider community of Kendal."