A FILM-MAKER, who has worked with singers Paolo Nutini and Prince, has returned to Thirsk School to present pupils with awards for its best-ever set of GCSE results.

Kit Monkman, who attended the school 30 years ago, told pupils he was currently making a film about a 16-year-old and the visit had rekindled memories of what it was like to be at school.

He said while many skilled jobs in the workplace are being threatened by technology and artificial intelligence, “context, judgement, humour and empathy cannot be replaced by a machine”.

Head teacher Stuart Mason said 80 per cent of pupils had achieved at least fiive A* to C grades, while 13 students were given all A’s and A* grades.

He said while the school was “juggling overwhelming financial pressures”, the teachers were to be congratulated for sometimes working without sufficient resources.

The school’s award for 100 per cent attendance during the two GCSE years went to Oliver Baldwin, Stephen Clark, Natasha Lear, George Rhodes, Stanley Whitfield, Alexander Wright, Sophie Maude, Martha Tomlinson, while awards for 100 per cent attendance over five years went to Henri Wadsworth, Ben Morgan and Jonathan Bark.

Individual subject award winners included Henri Kennedy, who was presented the English Literature award after being singled out by the exam moderator for her outstanding work, while the Thirsk Rotary Shield of Endeavour and Personal Achievement went to Ben Hunt, for his “positive leading role in the Upper School, showing kindness, care and maturity”.