Educating Yorkshire gets Bafta nod, while choir perform with Gary Barlow

For the fly-on-the-walll programme, which has already triumphed at the National Television Awards, the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards, has been shortlisted in the factual series category by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

It is also up for the Radio Times Audience Award, in which members of public vote for their favourite show.

Head teacher Jonny Mitchell said: “Everyone here at Thornhill Community Academy is absolutely overwhelmed by the news of our two nominations – we are also extremely proud of the two Bafta Craft nominations received by the production team.

“Irrespective of whether the documentary wins any of the awards, we feel that this really is the ultimate accolade for the hard work of everyone involved in the series and the Academy community.

“Who knows, Thornhill might become the very first Bafta-winning school!”

Meanwhile, pupils had another brush with fame when the school choir was personally asked by Gary Barlow to perform on his arena tour.

They joined Gary for his performances at Leeds First Direct Arena last week, providing vocals for his hit track ‘Sing’, and will perform with him at Sheffield Motorpoint Arena on April 20.

Music teacher Emma Reynolds said: “This is another fabulous opportunity for our choir. I am so proud of how much commitment and hard work they have put in to their performance – not one student has missed a rehearsal.”

And there was good news for a former Thornhill pupil, who is celebrating passing her beauty therapy course with flying colours and the birth of her daughter.

Georgia Mortimer gave birth to 8lb 3oz daughter Mya Rose on March 18 but was still the first in her group to complete the course. Now she is looking forward to returning to Kirklees College to start her Level 2 qualification.