DURING Mark Jackson’s four years as head teacher of Haslingden High, the school has received one accolade after another.

Now it’s time for some personal recognition for Mr Jackson who has been named Secondary Head Teacher of the Year in our prestigious awards.

He said the award came as massive surprise, but he views it as recognition for the hard work and attitude of all the staff and pupils.

He said: “It’s a nice school, really willing students, good staff and it was doing well when I came here.”

But under his headship the school went on to achieve amazing exam results in 2013 which put it among the top 100 comprehensives in the country.

“We were in the top 100 schools,” he said. “I think we have a very, very good staff, very committed and hardworking, and by and large, the majority of pupils are on board so we are all pulling in the same direction,” he said.

Yet he said there were many challenges ahead with the new National Curriculum, GCSEs and A-Levels.

“Almost everything we know is changing and it’s a real challenge.”

But at the school they are always looking for innovative solutions and since Easter 2014 every student in years seven to 10 has been given an iPad.

From September, they will become the first school in East Lancashire to equip all pupils with their own iPad.

“It’s made a massive difference in school. Students can never say they do not know what to do or can’t do it. We encourage students to be independent. It has transformed how a lot of teachers teach and how pupils learn,” he said.

He said that in the future an iPad will be as essential as a pen or ruler was years ago, pointing out that technology is not a substitute for good teaching which informs and inspires the pupils.

Mr Jackson, 52, has spent most of his working life in East Lancashire, including as head at Hollins Technology College, Accrington, for seven years.

He said the Lancashire Telegraph award, sponsored by Accrington and Rossendale College, was a reflection on everyone involved with the school and its huge range of extra-curricular activities. “It’s a really good school and it’s nice that has been acknowledged. I am thrilled.”

And when he picked up his award, Mr Jackson said: “Tonight has been a very humbling experience with all these people coming out to collect these awards.

“When I first heard about tonight, I was told I was the best looking head teacher, and I can see why I would have won that!

“I’m really proud, a bit surprised, and a bit embarrassed.

“I have not really done anything to deserve it particularly.

“Our students have achieved brilliant exam results and we have prepared them really well.”

Judge Darach MacDonnchadha, Lancashire team leader at Just Teachers, said: “He has a proven track record. He’s done some really good work at the school.”