ALL that is great about education in Bolton was celebrated last night.

Heads, teachers, teaching assistants and others who take a leading role in the education of children in Bolton attended the first The Bolton News School Awards at the Holiday Inn.

Dozens of entries were received for The Bolton News School Awards 2015, with nominations from teachers, parents, governors and even children who want to share the good work happening in their schools with the rest of the borough.

The high standard of entries made it an incredibly difficult task to choose just one winner — as the nominations gave heartfelt accounts of what a difference teachers, staff and others who are connected to the school have made to classes and individuals.

Editor-in-chief Ian Savage said: “We decided to introduce these awards because every week we hear about so many great things going on in Bolton's schools.

"We wanted to celebrate all the brilliant schools, pupils, teachers and staff who help to make education in the town so good.

"The nominations showed how so many of them give up their own time, including weekend,s to ensure young people in the town succeed —and how children work to ensure they and their friends achieve.

"Well done to all our winners and a big thank you to everyone who entered."

The awards were launched just before the summer break to seek out the best pupils, schools, teachers and other staff, while at the same time highlighting innovation and best practice right across the area.

The awards were backed by Bolton’s leading businesses and organisations, who have sponsored the categories.

THE BOLTON NEWS SCHOOL AWARDS 2015

Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Bolton College: Fred Tyldesley of Ladybridge High School

Primary School Pupil Award, sponsored by Paul Davies Kitchens and Appliances: St Peter and Paul’s RC School, Subhan Khan

Secondary School Pupil Award, sponsored by NW Design: Kearsley Academy, Oliver Fielding

Secondary Head Award, sponsored by Cole Securities: Smithills School, Alec Cottrill

Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Synergy Dental Clinic: Hayley Rostron of Schools ICT Department

Secondary School Award, sponsored by Surveyroof: St James CE High School, Farnworth

Primary School Award, sponsored by Surveyroof: St Peter and St Paul’s RC Primary School

Primary Head Award, sponsored by Synergy Dental Clinic: Frances Lysyj of St Thomas of Canterbury RC School, Heaton

Secondary Class Award, sponsored by Bolton Sixth Form College: Year 11 science class, Sharples School

Primary School Teacher Award, sponsored by Bolton Council: Mrs Brooks, St Catherine’s CE Primary School, Horwich

Secondary School Teacher Award, sponsored by Bolton Council: Julia Head, Bolton School

Teaching Assistant Award: sponsored by Unison: Michelle Thornley, St Saviour CE Primary School, Ringley

Primary Class of the Year, sponsored by The Bolton News: Year Six The Oaks, Sharples

Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Unison, Miss Whittaker