Chalfont Community School

The new school, which will educate more than 500 pupils, will be built on the Chalfont Street school's playing fields next year.

In its long history, which dates back to 1891, the school has taught a number of famous pupils.

Graham Fletcher was a pupil and went on to dance with the Royal Ballet.

Phil Stant, who studied at Chalfont School in the 1970s, fought in the Falklands before becoming a professional footballer. He played for Fulham, Notts County, Cardiff, Hereford, Bury and Lincoln City. He was also Lincoln's manager.

Chalfont School has been awarded the Government's School Achievement Award for Progress and has gained Investor in People accreditation three times.

The children enjoy a varied and busy curriculum with trips to places of interest. They take part in the Bolton Music Festival and raise money for various charities. The school also has a big involvement in community parties and each year makes links with local businesses.

The head

HEADTEACHER Mrs Gwen Acton has been teaching for 30 years in different parts of Bolton. She has been in charge at Chalfont School for 13 years.

Mrs Acton trained at the Charlotte Mason College in Ambleside, in the Lake District, and studied art and design, religious studies and education.

She is married to Ernest, who works for British Telecom, and they were at school together as teenagers.

Mrs Acton says her 24-year-old son, Carl, found it difficult when he was younger "as he thought I was bossy, but now he too has become a teacher he's much the same as me".

Her childhood ambition was to become a nurse "but now I can't stand hospitals".

Mrs Acton's hobbies include sewing and cooking and being with the family.

At school she describes herself as having been "talkative and bossy. I liked to have my own way". She says she was "very artistic, so I'm told".

Mrs Acton says she aims to continue to nurture and develop a sense of being a family at the school which includes working together "to help each other irrespective of who we are or what we are, believing at all times in yourselves and aspiring always to do your very best in life".

Factfile

Number on roll: 237 plus 52 in the nursery

Number of teachers: 13

Other staff: 25 plus volunteers

Founded: 1891

Outside facilities: Playing field, tarmac yards with astra turf areas. Picnic tables and benches, logs, painted floor games, small garden area

Buildings: Victorian building on two floors

Why I like my school:

"We have lots of different activities and all the teachers are very kind. I think this is the best school but the sad thing is that it won't be here after 2003 because we are going to join up with Wolfenden School in a new building."

Naeem Mitha

"We have brilliant trips."

Raeesa Ali

"They teach us good English and teach us things. In this school it is bright and we feel welcome. The teachers are kind and helpful. We have lots of visitors to speak to us."

Munira Tbrahim

My happiest memories:

"When I was appointed deputy head girl. Also when we did the archives project and my special object -- my mum's wedding dress -- was put on display and it went in the Bolton Evening News."

Raasheda Patel

"When there a five-a-side football tournament at Sharples Secondary School. We had to play about eight other teams. We won 3-2 in the final."

Mohammed Gajara

"When our school won the EFQM award. Our photographs appeared in the Bolton Evening News and we celebrated by having a party."

Husnian Zafar

"I won a bag of sweets which contained 93 sweets and I also won a pink bouncing ball when we were raising money for Afghanistan."

Zaynab Patel

"When the story teller Taffy Thomas came and told us some of his stories."

Muniza Abdullah

"Our headteacher:

"I like my headteacher because she is very considerate. Also she supplies us with lots of things. Mrs Acton is very keen on the colour pink."

Rizwana Valley

"Mrs Acton always wears pink lipstick and she is full of big surprises."

Wasim Mohamed

"Our head teacher's name is Gwen Acton. She is very kind but if we don't work hard, mess about, or are rude, she will shout."

Mohammed Patel

"Our headteacher is very arty. She fills the walls with beautiful paintings and pictures. Whenever we have a problem she always solves it."

Zainah Shah

"I like my headteacher because she provides us with equipment and she is kind. She lets us have parties. She has an attractive office."

Riaz Fatakia

"She is very kind and her best colour is pink. She always has a smile on her face. She looks very happy, often prepares things to do and she is the best head teacher ever."

Saima Patel

What I want to be:

"My life-time ambition is to be a GP, doctor, to help the sick and ill."

Zaheer Khonat

"I want to be a lawyer because it is a sensible job and it's well paid."

Naeem Adam

"I wanted to be a nurse but now I've seen what they do I'm not sure any more."

Raisha Patel

"I might be a headteacher or a shopkeeper but I have not decided. I am certain I want to have a job and keep busy."

Tasleem Patel

"A lawyer because it is a good job and I want to help people when they are in trouble."

Siobhan Gowens

"An accountant because I like maths. I would like to sort out accounts and wear £1,000 suits."

Adam Chhadat