TOP comic and actor John Bishop went back to the site of his former classrooms to open a £6.7 million extension to Runcorn’s Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy.

He said he was amazed at the huge transformation of faciities now offered and was bowled over by pupils’ skills and confidence.

John was a pupil at the former Brookvale High School in Barnfield Avenue, Murdishaw. He was delighted to meet his former head teacher, June Phillips.

He toured the new building which includes a sixth form college, cafe, hairdressing salon, fashion house fitness suite, dance studio, debating chamber, open plan learning street, state of the art science laboratories and newly designed classrooms.

He said he was very impressed with all the enrichment opportunities the students had.

Being able to gain practical experience alongside academic qualifications, he said, helped students develop skills for the future. 

John gave an impromtu coaching session to a class of year eight pupils rehearsing Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Drama teacher Kim Carden said: “Having John meet our students was amazing. For him to coach them was an even greater honour.

“The advice he gave them was inspirational and the students were in awe of his many skills as an action, as well as his obvious comic talent.

“What a privilege it was for us all to meet him and benefit from his vast experience.”

Students recently celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate at A Level and the best GCSE results in Runcorn.

Principal John Rigby said: “The atmosphere during the celebrations was wonderful and I am very proud of the excellent comments we received from so many people.

“It was a delight to have John Bishop.

“OBA has come a very long way in the last three years, going from strength to strength and will continue to do so.

“The stunning work that the staff and students produce on a daily basis never ceases to amaze me.”