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.

Primary Head Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Bespoke Composite Doors: Jenny Haunch, Washacre Primary School

MOST teachers would agree the opinion which matters to them most is that of the pupils.

So the winner of this year’s Primary Head of the Year really does have a huge vote of confidence.

The prefects of Washacre Primary School in Westhoughton wrote a lovely letter stating why their headteacher, Jenny Haunch was so deserving of this award.

According to the young people she has transformed the school into a place where lessons are enjoyable and sports lessons are fun.

They wrote: “She gave us lots of reasons to want to come to school, behave properly and learn.

“She introduced prizes and awards and celebrated our successes with our families. She has used sport as a way of boosting self-esteem and resilience in the children in her care.”

Under her leadership, the prefects say, sporting talent has been seen and nurtured, as well as young people having a chance to take part in foil fencing, climbing and a zumba session for children and parents.

Adults support the school by raising money through a special club and can have their own lessons to improve their skills, courses which are accredited by Bolton College.

The prefects end their letter stating: “We are very proud of our school and of ourselves. She has boundless energy and inspires us all.”

Miss Haunch said: “I am thrilled to have been nominated as headteacher of the year. 

“I have invested a great deal of my own time to raise funds for the children to access a variety of challenging and exciting events which they can not afford otherwise.

“I believe that all children have talents and dreams and deserve the chance to achieve the best they can in life. 

“Key to this is a good education and at Washacre,it is our moral imperative to provide that education so that our children grow up into well rounded young people with a good moral compass.

“I was flattered when the children told me that they had written a letter. 

“I understand that they wrote this in secret during their play periods. 
“These children inspire me to do and be better every day. 

“I am especially delighted that I am able to bring them to the event too. 

“It was a joy to tell them and to see them so excited about the event.”