OFSTED said of our Secondary School of the Year: "This is an outstanding school.

"One student aptly summarised the ethos of the school: ‘It’s a family community in the best way, one that welcomes you and opens a door to limitless opportunities and teaches you how to embrace them’. "

And so it is no wonder that St James' High School in Farnworth is our winner too in the category sponsored by Surveyroof.

The school embodies inspirational leadership, dedication and the willingness of the pupils to learn.

School inspectors went on to comment in their report: "In the achievement of this ethos, the school has found an exceptional headteacher; her energy in the pursuit of excellence is boundless. She has provided a razor-sharp focus in identifying and tackling any underperformance and in promoting the centrality of excellence in teaching and learning. Staff and students alike have high aspirations."

Such comments were echoed by those who put the school forward for the award, describing it as a family, where teachers go above and beyond for the pupils to ensure they achieve their full potential.

Teaching at the school is described as outstanding and at the core of school activities and the curriculum is said to fully meet the needs of all students and is broad and well balanced with the management and quality of provision for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities are excellent.

To the delight of the headteacher Tania Lewyckyj, pupils accepted the award on behalf of the school.

Headteacher Mrs Lewyckyj said: "I am delighted the school has won the award, which shows the hard work of everybody — the staff, pupils, parents and governors.

"We want to keep improving for the pupils, which is so important."