The headteacher of one of Bolton's most outstanding, and at times groundbreaking, schools is to retire.

Lynn Williams is leaving the profession she has devoted her working life to at the end of the academic year, with the prestigious title of TES Headteacher of the Year 2024 ­— which she says is an award for the whole school, including parents, governors, staff and children

She has led St Peter's CE Primary School in Farnworth, since 2006, first as co-head before becoming headteacher.

Mrs Williams said: "I am now co-head of the school to ensure a smooth transition in September.

"It hasn't quite sunk in that I am retiring.

"To receive the TES Headteacher of the Year 2024 at the pinnacle of my career was lovely, it to be recognised, nominated and win was just the icing on the cake. But it is for what I do with other people"

"I won't miss the emails, especially checking them on a Sunday but I will miss the people, the children, parents and the community."

Mrs Williams started her teaching career after graduating with a first class psychology degree from Lancaster University.

Her first position was in St Joseph's and St Bede's CE Primary School in Bury, before she moved to become a special educational needs teacher across Bolton schools, before moving to Bishop Bridgeman CE Primary School in Great Lever and becoming deputy headteacher at Spindle Point School in Kearsley.

It was after that she moved to St Peter's CE Primary.

Throughout her career she has been dedicated to helping children 'Learn, Sparkle and Shine', the motto of St Peter's CE Primary ­— no matter what their background ­— and has implemented strategies which today are used in many schools.

 

Mrs Williams, who lives in Bradshaw, said: "We have a corridor in school known as Progress Avenue. As a teacher I was not concerned with where children start, it is about them making progress going further everyday on their journey."

She was a great believer that children were in charge of their own futures, and every children ­— with advantageous or disadvantage backgrounds ­— was empowered to realise they were able to reach for and achieve the same goals.

She was part of the leadership team to ensure schools in Farnworth work together to ensure the children are giving the best possible education.

"I really am proud of how the Farnworth schools work together, we work collaboratively and support each other and share ideas and best practice," said Mrs Williams, who added that if there was any information she could share with the next generation of teachers in the ever changing education climate - from funding to Ofsted priorities - is to 'never lose sight of why you came into the job' ­— as 'an educator' and to help children progress.

Mrs Williams said: "I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, I will take stock and relax."

During the last week of school, a week to remember for the headteacher was organised, with activities with parents, children and staff.