THE best of the Bolton school community have been given a chance to shine.

Behind classroom doors are thousands of teachers, pupils and staff working hard every day to bring top class education to the community.

And here we honour the achievements of those people and places that make up all that’s good in the borough’s schools at the second Bolton News School Awards.

Secondary Class of the Year, sponsored by Bolton Sixth Form College: 8B Lever Park School

NEVER let it be said young people think only of themselves — and the winners of this award are an example to everyone.

Lever Park Academy’s Class 8b really are a class act.

So moved was the class after reading the novel Stone Cold by Robert Swindles, which explored the issue of homelessness, they were determined to do something practical to help and let some of society’s most vulnerable know that people did care.

They approached teachers to do something to practically help those living on the streets.

The pupils spent a day making up packed lunches before travelling with teachers to Manchester to distribute the food and found out more about the people who are forced to live on the streets.

One grateful recipient of the food told teachers: “Thank you so much, you are educating these young people to care for other people, that is fantastic, thank you so much.”

Owen Wilde, aged 12, said: “I was surprised that we were nominated and I am excited that we have been invited to a big ceremony to collect our award. I was glad we did what we did with the homeless people because it is important to help people who are not as lucky as we are.”

Paul Hodgkinson, Principal of the Trust which runs the school and Executive Principal, said: “I am extremely proud that our pupils are able to contribute so positively to the wider community and that as a Trust.

“We remain focussed on ensuring that our pupils are given every opportunity to become respectful, kind and hard-working members of society. 

“At Lever Park, significant emphasis is placed on social skills, appropriate behaviour and positive contributions by our pupils. 

“Class 8b are just one example of the fantastic work that goes on at Lever Park and across the wider Trust.”

She added: “Additionally, I am thrilled that Rachael Beattie has won the unsung hero award. 

“She does an amazing job at our Park School Teaching Service and her work with our pupils is another example of the hard work, commitment and skill that our workers display on a daily basis. 

“Rachael is loved by our pupils and is fully deserving of the award.”