Former students, who took their GSCE exams in the summer returned to the school for a celebration evening on Thursday, 9th November.

They were presented with prizes and their exam certificates. The guest of honour, John Deller, co-ordinator of the Local Education Authority’s BETT (Beyond Expectations Transformation Team), who presented four special awards, was also paying a return visit to the school.

In January, Mr Deller, gave the students a talk and presented them with their mock exam results. On Thursday, the majority of the 155 students returned to school to attend the celebration evening which also included a buffet in the school Bistro.

Mr Deller presented the four awards to: Steven Bland, of Bishop Auckland, for Highest Boys’ Attainment; Charlotte Goode, of Escomb, Highest Girls’ Attainment; Michael Walker, of Bishop Auckland, Most Improved from mock exams; and Claire Bailey, of Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, Most Progress from Year 7 to Year 11.

The Nicholas Beddow Trophy for Endeavour, is presented to the student who has shown the most commitment and hard work. This year, the trophy, was awarded to Rachael Hutchinson, of Bishop Auckland, who came to Bishop Barrington, in Year 7, with low academic predictions.

Deputy Head teacher, Jackie Gent, said: “Rachael worked really hard and attained one grade A, seven Bs and five Cs. She is a lovely girl, quiet, and unassuming, and thoroughly deserves her success.”

“It was a wonderful evening and so nice to see so many of our former students again.”

Mr Beddow was former vice-chairman of the governors of Bishop Barrington School, and vicar of Escomb and Witton Park. His three children all attended Bishop Barrington. The trophy was donated to the school, in his memory, by his widow, Gilly.