IT was back to school in more ways than one for former Bury headteacher Phil Grady.

He returned to Bury C of E High School as the guest speaker at a presentation evening to celebrate the achievements of Year 11 students from the last academic year.

Mr Grady, who left the school last summer, was welcomed back by his successor, the Rev Craig Watson.

Addressing the guests, Mr Watson said the Haslam Brow school had a “distinguished” history going back to 1748 when it was founded by Bury Parish Church as the charity school.

He said: “Today, the links with Bury Parish Church are still very strong and I hope that we will strengthen them further during my time as head. The academic standards of the school have also been maintained, with students following GCSE courses that are all academic in character and going on to study at the highest level.

“You former students have a rich heritage that you can draw on as you move on. The reputation of your school goes before you. It will endear you to people who know about us and will set you apart from the crowd. You never know when your association with your school will become an asset for you.”

Mr Watson continued: “One of the things that sets this school apart is its Christian ethos. We have already taken part in an act of Christian worship this evening. The values that you will have developed by being educated within that ethos will also stand you in good stead. The message that it is better to give than to receive, that compassion is key to human relationships and that God is for you will all enable you to better face life’s challenges.

“And as you do, you can be sure that you will always be part of the Bury CE High School family. You will always be welcome in your old school, and, hopefully, you will one day return to contribute to its development as a successful young lady or gentleman.”