THE winner of the Secondary Head Teacher of the Year goes to a leader who when he went into teaching promised to try and make it better for pupils, after his own experience as child in his first days at high school left him wanting.

Head of Smithills School, Alec Cottrill was awarded the accolade, sponsored by Cole Securities.

Mr Cottrill said: "I am truly humbled.

"I said if I had the chance in education, I would try to make it better.

"Everyone I have met in this town has tried to make it better for children."

Since arriving at Smithills School, Mr Cottrill has turned around its fortunates and put it on the road to success, working to make it one of Bolton's outstanding schools.

He is a strong leader in an all inclusive school in which staff are committed to help pupils achieve academic success while enriching the curriculum to create lasting schoolday memories for children.

Importantly Mr Cottrill has the backing of his staff, who, say the governing body, put their trust in him.

Mr Cottrill said: "It is wonderful that industry is involved in these awards, it shows their support for education in Bolton and provide role models for young people.

"This is all about the children and the progress they make."

Cllr John Walsh, a governor at the school, added: "I am very pleased Alec has been recognised.

"Standards are rising under his leadership, morale of the staff has never been higher and he is taking the school forward.

"He is a dynamic and hands-on headteacher.

"For him it is all about the children, raising expectations of every child."

He added: "Alec was totally surprised when I rang him up and asked if had seen the paper and that he was headteacher of the year."