This week, we at The Bolton News have been handing out our 2022 Education Awards to schools in the town. These education awards are to celebrate the best in Bolton’s schools, from students to teachers to entire schools.

Head Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by Surveyroof, is Jackie Fitton of Kearsley West Primary School.

This category aims to celebrate head teachers with outstanding leadership and a clear and compelling vision for success.

It is to recognise an influential head teacher who has shown exceptional leadership, management, teaching skills and commitment to their school or college.

Miss Fitton was nominated for the award by a parent, who not only had children taught by her, but was also taught by her themselves.

Some excerpts from the nomination read: “This lady has been at the school for many years and has shown nothing but dedication and support for all her pupils throughout her career.

“Other than being a great teacher she is also a great listener, she shows nothing but compassion and empathy to all whom she meets, not just in school to the children but also parents.

“She creates a kind friendly and loving environment for all her pupils, throughout Covid she posted lots of heart-warming videos on their school Facebook page and even read stories to the children for those who couldn’t meet their friends.”

On being asked how it felt to win the award, Miss Fitton said: “Absolutely amazing, I am completely and utterly dropped on, I had no idea, no idea I’d even been nominated, but it feels very special.”

She spoke on receiving the award in an assembly in front of teachers and children, saying: “It wouldn’t have been right without them because they are Kearsley West, so I’m only doing my job because they’re here helping me to do it, so I wouldn’t have wanted to have that award without them.

“We’re just a family, we are just a family, so it’s nice to have them there for it and nice for them to see.

“It was lovely, very, very special.”

She ended by thanking the staff, the families, the children and the governing board at the school.

Our congratulations also go out to Lynn Williams of St Peter’s CE Primary School in Farnworth, who was Highly Commended for our Head Teacher of the Year award.