St Bede's Catholic Science College has seen off competition from more than 300 schools in the UK to triumph in this year's Rock Challenge.

The Tollfield Road school took the national award for community support in the event, which gives young people the chance to take leading roles in dance, drama and drama at professional venues.
T
he group had already collected 18 awards across two district rounds, held in Lincoln and Skegness for its dramatic dance Perception is Deception, adding a further six at a regional event in Grimsby. They also received national nominations for the soundtrack and video performance.

Carl Ponulak, an assistant headteacher at St Bede's, said the success was made all the more impressive because the school was going against others often much larger in size, with sixth forms, or specialisms in arts.

"It is a phenomenal success for the school," he said.

A troupe of 46 pupils, drawn from Years Seven-11, took part in the eight-minute performance, devised in collaboration with staff members.

It is only the second time the school has taken part in the competition, which aims to promote 'a drug-free high'.

Mr Ponulak said the national award recognised the contributions from community members in the production, to the 'many, many people who helped to create a fantastic routine'.

He also paid tribute to the professionalism of the young stage talent, who never veered into 'artistic tantrums', he said, but 'gave up a lot of time', 'helped each other' and were 'always enthusiastic'.