One of Bolton's top performing school has been honoured with a Teaching Oscar for transforming the lives of their pupils.

Sharples School staff were selected from thousands of nominations to win a Pearson National Teaching Silver Award for Making a Difference ­— Secondary School, for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.

The award was presented during the recent National Thank a Teacher Day.

The Sharples motto “Learn. Dream. Achieve." was found to be at the heart of "this vibrant learning community", said judges.

At Sharples award organisers found that "ambitious curriculum coupled with the extensive programme of enrichment opportunities make a difference to the learning opportunities and life chances of all students".

Sharples School has now been shortlisted to win one of just 16 Gold Awards, which will be announced and celebrated at a gala ceremony in London on 25 November and televised on the BBC, with winners showcased on The One Show.

The honours were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, an annual event celebrating the role of educators across the UK for the valued role they play in communities and shaping young people.

Sharples School is one of the highest performing schools in Bolton based on GCSEs.

This year celebrities including Sir Michael Morpurgo, Edith Bowman, Bobby Seagull, Ore Oduba and Nadiya Hussain celebrated their teachers' achievements

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity now in its 25th year, that recognises the life-changing work that takes place in education, highlighting the vital role educators play and the work that’s delivered in schools and colleges every day.

Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “I am inspired by the devotion of teachers and the huge impact they have on the lives of the young people they tutor, support, encourage and motivate day in and day out. The valuable role they play both inside and outside the classroom has inspired generations of young people across the country to achieve their potential. I am delighted to congratulate the winners of the 2023 Awards and thank them all for the amazing contributions they have made to our communities.”

Sharon Hague, Senior Vice President of Schools at Pearson UK, says: “We would like to congratulate silver winners on their incredible achievements. We can’t underestimate the huge contribution schools make to our young people’s lives and Sharples School is an inspiring example of the positive impact a school can have on pupils and communities.”

Rachel Johnson, CEO, PiXL, sponsor of the award for Making a Difference says: “We’ve been inspired by the work that is being delivered to transform the opportunities for local students but also in enriching the local community. The recipient of this award has showcased its influence in positively shaping opportunities far beyond the school walls.

"We’re delighted to be associated with the tremendous work that’s being delivered in communities across the UK.”