Fliss, 30, attended St Hilda’s as it became Blessed Trinity in 2002 and found her love of table tennis at the school.

In Paris 2024, with partner Bly Twomey, she won a Paralympic table tennis doubles bronze medal.

She said: “It’s been a long journey. I have celebral palsy and was diagnosed with autism after I left school. I struggled accepting my disability.

“I tried dressage, boccia and swimming but, at 14, went to Hyndburn Table Tennis Club and have been a member of their Performance Squad since then.

“I had to believe anything was possible and you have to work hard to achieve your dreams.

“I found table tennis, thanks largely to Mrs Lindsay Bleazard who was my PE teacher at the time, and it’s been unbelievable. I never thought I would win a medal at the Paralympics. A local girl from Burnley winning a Paralympic medal!

“There have been setbacks, I didn’t know if I would get to Paris due to nerves, but due to the support of my family and people in Burnley along the way I got there. I wouldn’t be where I am now without that.

“Now I want to get better, I am motivated, and you have to follow your dreams.”

GCSE certificates were handed out, there were individual subject awards and then KSC Awards for Outstanding GCSE results.

 

The specialist awards were then presented to the Class of 2024.

The Attainment Award was given to Amelia Korczynska who achieved an outstanding 11 Grade 9 GCSE’s to be one of the best performers in the country.

 

The Progress Award, sponsored by KSC in memory of James Frizelle, was awarded to last year’s Head Boy Wayes Iftikhar who achieved a Grade 7 or higher in every subject, far exceeding his expected targets.

The Contribution to Community Award, sponsored by the Catenian Association, was presented to Erin Fielding while the Contribution of College Life prize, sponsored by KSC, was awarded to Gabriella Kudzinowski.

 

The Specialist College Sports Award, sponsored by KSC in memory of Bill Duxbury, was presented to Li-Bau Stowell, a goalkeeper who represented the school as well as the county and is now at Preston North End.

The Specialist College Humanities Award, sponsored by KSC in memory of Albert Walmsley, was awarded to Lily Howarth who got an outstanding Grade 8 in History and was praised for her hard work and determination.

 

The Bishop Casartelli Award: Contribution to College Life was given to Samantha Bernabe, who has been an ambassador for the catholic faith in school and was a role model for faith and mission leaders.

 

The Endeavour Award, sponsored by Burnley Education Trust in memory of Cliff Duerden, was awarded to Jessica Slack by Head of Year Mr Kelly for her determination to succeed even when times were difficult.

The Sporting Commitment Award, in memory of Mick Ennis, was awarded to Erika Corns who was a Sports Ambassador and now competes to a high level in athletics, especially the long jump, and is a county swimmer.

 

The Design and Technology Award, in memory of Ken Hare, went to Joshua Jackson, for showing resilience and determination and producing a fantastic end-of-term project.

 

Headteacher Mrs Williams said: “It was such an inspirational speech by Fliss and we are in awe of her achievements.

“She has shown that enthusiasm, talent and hard work leads to success.

“All our pupils have worked hard and have achieved so much during their time at Blessed Trinity. I am so proud of all of them.”