CUMBRIA’S heroes of education and learning gathered at a glitzy awards ceremony.

A Furness school’s oustanding turn-around was recognised.

The CN Education and Learning Awards 2015 – also known as the Golden Apple Awards – took place at Carlisle Racecourse last night.

Furness was well represented, with nine finalists shortlisted for awards.

Barrow’s St Bernard’s Catholic High School scooped the Secondary School of the Year.

In a rapid 18-month turnaround, the school went from being “inadequate” to being praised as “good” across the board, with outstanding features.

St Bernard’s headteacher Mary Page received the award from Bill McCafferty of Esh Border Construction.

The Learner of the Year award went to Alistair Kirk, a former student of Barrow Sixth Form College.

Alistair is a student who is proud to show that young people brought up in care can succeed with the right support.

He has just started studying international politics at Aberystwyth University and could not attend the ceremony.

Sue Hannan, a director at Barrow Sixth Form College, collected his award from Samantha Dawson of Inspira.

The Support Staff of the Year award went to Megan Hughes, the HR manager at Furness College, in Barrow.

At 26 she is the youngest HR manager in the FE college sector and she started out as an apprentice at the Channelside college.

She received her award from Danny Braithwaite of Lakes College.

Also shortlisted from Furness this year were: Furness Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association in the Award for Youth and Inclusion Award, North Walney Primary School in Sporting Achievement, Scarlett Wright in Against All Odds, Steven Barclay in Outstanding New Teacher and Jeff Hayward in Apprentice of the Year.