THE best of the Bolton school community have been given a chance to shine.

Behind classroom doors are thousands of teachers, pupils and staff working hard every day to bring top class education to the community.

And here we honour the achievements of those people and places that make up all that’s good in the borough’s schools at the second Bolton News School Awards.

Secondary Headteacher of the Year, sponsored by Cole Securities: Julie Barnes, Birtenshaw School in Bromley Cross

THE winner of this award ensures that no matter how busy her day as headteacher, she will always make time to interact with the children.

Julie Barnes was appointed to head at Birtenshaw School in Bromley Cross three years ago. The special schoolprovides education for disabled young people aged three-to-19-years-old with moderate to severe and/or complex learning needs.

Under her leadership the school underwent a remarkable transformation increasing the number of pupils from 13 to 49.

Mrs Barnes said: “I am very proud to receive this award, and I see it as a tribute to all the staff and pupils at Birtenshaw School who make my job as headteacher a pleasure every day.

“Birtenshaw is a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and many pupils have previously had placements which have broken down. 

“Sometimes they have become completely disengaged with education and have missed months of school by the time they come to us. 

“Birtenshaw School makes a huge difference to these children’s lives.

Our ‘no-exclusion’ approach ensures that pupils are given the chance to build trust so that we can support pupils to believe in themselves, and open up to everything there is to learn and enjoy at school. 

“I feel privileged to lead a school that treats every child as a genuine individual and helps them find their own path to learning.”

She is described by her deputy head as an exceptional woman who helps staff reach their full potential.

When she realised there were limited services for disabled young adults to access specialist further education, she pioneered Birtenshaw College, which is growing in size with more young people enrolling year-on-year. 

Her passion, commitment and innovation ensures young people are given the education and care they deserve.