PETER Jefferies, head teacher at Broad Oak High School, is leaving at the end of the term after five years in charge.

Since his appointment in 1993, the school has seen a transformation and is now the fastest-growing secondary school in the borough.

Mr Jefferies (45) will leave in April to take up his new post at Harper Green High School in Farnworth, one of the most popular schools in his adopted home town of Bolton.

"In many ways I am very sad to leave Broad Oak, it has been a wonderful experience and I have loved every minute of it," said Mr Jefferies.

"The school is the happiest and friendliest I have ever worked in, and the people of East Ward have given tremendous support."

Mr Jefferies said he was leaving because Harper Green offered "a most exceptional opportunity".

"I am leaving one exceptional school for another, much larger one," he said.

During his time at Broad Oak the school has been transformed. One of his first acts as head was to rip up the school rule book and replace it with one word: respect.

The school buildings and grounds have improved, and a range of programmes to improve attendance, academic achievement and wider community involvement have been introduced. Coun David Ryder, Bury Council's chairman of education, said Mr Jefferies was an "inspiration" to educationalists across the borough.

"He turned that school around, and has made it a real community," said David Ryder. "We wish him all the best, but we will miss him. Harper Green are very lucky."

A new head will be appointed at Broad Oak within two weeks, and Mr Jefferies said he was determined that the work he started would continue.

"The school is now oversubscribed and in an outstanding position," he said. "A large senior management team and young staff are committed to the process of constant school improvement.

"The future is bright."

Mr Jefferies came to Broad Oak in September 1993 from Stretford High School, and has spent his teaching career in the Greater Manchester area. He and his wife Kay live in Bolton and have a daughter, Michelle (19) a university student.

His teaching background is in English and drama, and he is a fanatical Manchester United supporter.

The man Mr Jefferies is replacing at Harper Green is Mr Alan Atherton, father of England Cricket captain Mike.

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