ONLY the best need apply — that is the call from a primary school that is inviting aspiring teachers to learn from the best.

St Peter’s CE Primary School is signed up to the government’s teacher training programme Schools Direct.

And headteacher, Lynn Williams, in an innovative twist, is appealing only for those who would fit the ambitious “Teach First “ model to apply for a place so they can make the biggest difference to pupils’ lives.

Mrs Williams, headteacher of the school which has been rated as good with outstanding features by education watchdog Ofsted, said: “We are looking for the very best, those who have a first or 2:1 degree and who are passionate about teaching and can make a difference to pupils’ lives.”

She added that the children of Farnworth needed outstanding teachers in the area, given that schools in deprived and disadvantage areas were most likely to be judged as inadequate or requiring improvement.

Mrs Williams said: “The children have to make a great amount of progress from their starting points to achieve high levels and that is why we need the very best.

“We want to invest in these teachers, welcome them to Farnworth to do their year’s training and work in Farnworth schools.”

So far out of 23 teachers who have applied through UCAS, the school has appointed five, some are high-flying graduates while others are looking for a career change, including a lawyer.

Training starts in September, with graduates being placed with St Peter’s CE Primary School or others taking part within Farnworth.

Mrs Williams said: “We are asking for 2:1 or above degrees because it shows the commitment and hard work the students have put in at university, because the training year will be one of the hardest things they have ever done.”

She added the trainees benefit from finding out if teaching is right and because of the way the scheme is being run in Farnworth, the chances of securing a job in one of the schools is extremely high.

Mrs Williams said the programme was part of Bolton’s commitment to having outstanding teachers in all schools by working together.

Those interested in applying can do so on the UCAS website.