In 1996 the head of Millom School said there were plans to develop even more links with parents and the community.

In his speech at the annual prize-giving ceremony, Les Higgins pointed out the close links the school had already forged through a long-standing scheme with the Midland Bank, a conservation project with The Harriet Trust which won two awards and on-going work experience with local companies.

He said: “In partnership with parents and with the co-operation of local organisations, we hope to develop community service projects and foster the sense of working together for the benefit both of the students and of the community we live in.”

He pointed out the achievements by pupils in the academic, sporting and social fields.

In sport there had been 19 county representatives, two internationals and a world champion and a group of students had taken part in a national conference for governors.

The school had also produced examination results above the national average, with GCSE results higher than ever and the second best A level results ever.

He congratulated the award winners and mentioned the achievements of pupils since leaving school.

These included the previous year’s head boy, Ewan Porthouse, who was unable to attend the ceremony as he would be on a four-month voyage to Australia and New Zealand.

The guest speaker was John Nellist, director of education.

In 1994 a Millom School pupil was going to London with a one-in-ten chance of winning a minibus for her school.

Helen Capstick, 16, was one of ten regional finalists in a Midland Bank competition.

She was about to go to London to hear whether Millom School had won the bus.

Helen had already won £250 in the competition to design a mini bus livery.

Fellow pupil Miriam Hodgson, 14, also represented the school, and won £25 and a tee-shirt.