HERE we celebrate the people and places that have come top of the class in the first The Bolton News School Awards.

More than 100 entries were received from all over the borough putting forward heads, teachers, pupils, schools and other

members of staff or volunteer helpers for honours in 14 categories.

Judging panels had the tough task of selecting the best from an unexpectedly large field and it was not easy to pick single winners with every nomination illustrating something which was great about Bolton's schools.

The Bolton News editor Ian Savage said: "I have visited many local schools and I always come away feeling inspired.

"The range of subjects is far greater than it was when I was a child.

"The respect shown by all the school staff has improved hugely since I was a pupil.

"But most importantly, it seems to me that there is so much more care for and understanding of young people and their needs than ever before.

"And this is crucial, because, yes, academic excellence is important, but so is producing a fully rounded, confident, happy human being at the end of their education.

"From what I have seen through my own children and their friends is that in general this happens day in and day out in Bolton.

"That is one of the reasons we wanted to launch this event."

He added: "Since this was a first for us we did not know how teachers, parents and pupils would respond to the awards but it is clear that they have been received

with great enthusiasm.

“We are delighted to be able to shine this spotlight on all the positive happenings in our schools and look forward to these awards becoming a regular part of Bolton’s academic year.

“We would also like to thank all the sponsors for enabling us to make them happen.”

The main sponsor for the award was Bolton Council.

Vice-principal Lorraine Groch said: "We are delighted to have sponsored the award and celebrate achievement.

"That is what Bolton College is all about and we firmly value our partnerships with all schools in Bolton."

Full list of winners

Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Bolton College: Fred Tyldesley, longer serving senior teacher in science, maths and until last year site manager at Ladybridge High School.

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

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

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

Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Synergy Dental Clinic: Hayley Rostron of Bolton Council Schools ICT Department, supporting primary schools pupils across Bolton with their ICT development

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: Key stage one teacher Angela 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: Rebecca Whittaker, who works at St James' CE High School.