ST PETROC’S School in Bude has picked up a second national award in two years from the Independent Schools Association Awards ceremony.

The ‘ISA Community Award’ follows on from last year’s ‘ISA Website of the Year’ title and everyone involved with the school is absolutely delighted to be recognised for the second time.

The judges were looking for schools that could demonstrate strong community partnerships, sharing best practice and working with community groups and events.

At the ceremony they praised the contribution the school made to the Bude Wave Conference back in September in addition to all the work that was carried out alongside the Bude Cleaner Seas Project. They were also impressed to hear of the impact St Petroc’s pupils had on Sir Philip Dilley, the ex-head of the Environment Agency, when he heard their presentations.

The headmaster, Dan Thornburn, said: “Clearly we are over the moon to have received another ISA Award. It’s a big association, with around 400 member schools, so to be recognised nationally two years on the trot is a very special achievement. I am most pleased because this award speaks volumes for the involvement that pupils, parents and staff have had in the local community recently. St Petroc‘s is a unique place and we really enjoy helping out wherever we can locally. To be acknowledged on the national stage was a great honour for all involved with the school.”

Last Saturday St Petroc’s also held its annual Christmas Bazaar at the Parkhouse Centre in Bude, a highlight of the start of the festive season for many local people. The school sang at retirement homes and for the rotary club in the build up to Christmas; yet another example of the close links they share with Bude.