A leader who has turned his school around in a short time has been recognised for his work. 

Peter Stewart of Essa Primary is our Bolton News Education Awards 2024 Headteacher of the Year, in association Bolton Council. 

Mr Stewart, who has been at the school for just 18 months, has been described as the "epitome of a transformational leader". 

It will be a short but sweet tenure, as he moves onto pastures new at a school in Manchester after Christmas. 

Matthew Barnes, one of the governors at the school, said: "Peter has been with trust for just over 18 months and has been the epitome of a transformational leader. The school is unrecognisable, not only in its physical environs, but also in terms of staff culture, results and ethos. 

"Children at the school are thriving, and the school has achieved above average in attendance figures, and phenomenal progress in year end testing – an astonishing achievement in the most deprived area of Bolton. 

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"Essa Primary is unique, with high numbers of students with additional needs (17.1 per cent - national average 13.5 per cent) and incredibly high numbers of students for whom English is not their first language (75.1 per cent - national average 22 per cent). 

"To achieve such transformation in both standards, physical environment and engagement in a school with such a unique makeup and significant challenges is, simply, astonishing. Not only have standards improved, but so has community engagement. 

"The bond between families and the school has become unbreakably strong, with massively improved attendance at parent’s evenings, open events, community days and sporting competitions." 

Mr Stewart was completely surprised as was welcomed into a full school hall by rounds of applause. 

He said: "When I started at this school I wanted to make it better for everyone. 

"Every single person sat around the hall is part of my journey here and your journey to get to this point. Without everyone in the hall, I wouldn't have been able to do my job as a leader. 

"My time at this school is coming to a close and it is going to be really sad to leave, but we have instilled pride and I am really proud of all you have achieved. 

"You are the stars, it is so amazing, I've loved being your principal. You and your school will always be very close to my heart."