THE principal of a Bolton primary school has been recognised for her ‘outstanding contribution’ to education.

Debra Murphy, who leads The Ferns Primary School in Farnworth, was selected as a winner in the Towergate Care Awards 2017, having been nominated in the Outstanding Contribution to the Education Sector category.

The awards are to celebrate National Carers Week and the school received a bench.

Mrs Murphy was appointed to the academy in September, 2012 giving up her home life in Durham to live in Bolton during the work week for four years.

When she first arrived at the academy it was under special measures and obtained results well below national average.

Under her leadership, The Ferns Academy is said to have been transformed academically and pastorally.

Following an Ofsted visit in June, 2016, The Ferns Academy is now rated ‘good’, with outstanding features.

Academic results now put the academy within the top one per cent of the country. The school now has good attendance levels, students excel in all areas of life and have ambition for their future.

Debra Bowker, of Towergate, said: “I was delighted to visit The Ferns Academy and meet Debra and her team to see and experience first-hand what has been achieved at this school. Their energy and enthusiasm for the school and belief in the potential in the children was evident as soon as I stepped through the door, so I can only imagine how much of a positive difference Debra and her team have made over the past few years.

“National Carers Week is a good reminder to all of us of the work that people do in caring for others. As one of longest standing insurance brokers for the care sector we are honoured to support people like Debra and the Ferns Academy.”

Mrs Murphy said: “I would like to thank Towergate for its generous donation to the school.

“National Carers Week is a great time to recognise all of the hard work that happens in the care industry and I would like to take this time to thank all of the staff at the school for their hard work.”

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges that carers face and recognising the contribution they make.