A TRAILBLAZING school helping set the national education agenda was one of the big winners at the county’s premier education awards.

Ulverston Victoria High School was named as secondary school of the year at the CN Group Golden Apple Education Awards. The award recognises the role the school is playing on the education scene locally and nationally.

As well as being one of Cumbria's most successful secondaries, UVHS is a leader in its field nationally. Awards judges described the school’s entry as a strong all-round package which highlighted the pioneering teaching that takes place there. Standards are such that they have been highlighted on a national scale by Prince Charles.

The Golden Apples, held at Carlisle Racecourse, celebrated excellence in education across the county. Other south Cumbrian successes included Lindal and Marton Primary School, which won the award for sporting achievement, recognising trailblazing programmes led there.

Meanwhile, the accolade for apprentice of the year went to Jemima Armstrong, of GlaxoSmithKline's Ulverston factory.

The seventh annual awards ceremony, supported by the University of Cumbria and personal development organisation, Inspira, honoured local education, training and skills heroes from across all areas of learning and community life. All 19 categories sought to highlight the range of lifelong learning opportunities on offer locally, as well as showcase excellence and achievement in traditional academic and vocational fields as well as community and voluntary efforts.

Tributes were also paid to all the staff, individuals and teams who dedicate themselves to supporting and helping learners and children succeed. Barrow-born Professor Peter Strike, who was vice chancellor of the University of Cumbria for five years until his retirement at the end of July, received the lifetime achievement award.

More than 200 finalists and guests were at last night's event, which was hosted by former broadcaster Julie Clayton.

Judging took place in August. Mark Bowman, chief executive of Inspira; Dr Jackie Moses, director of the institute of education at the University of Cumbria; Kelly Pattison, education reporter at the News & Star ; Marie Whitehead and Megan Norwood, from cnevents, were on the judging panel.

Other supporters of the 2016 awards were Lakes College, BAE Systems, Burnetts, nucleargraduates, Furness College, Riverside and West Cumbria Works.