Award for headteacher of distinction

Headteacher Stuart Ford with his Ted Wragg Lifetime Achievement Award

A popular long-serving headteacher has won an honour in the North West Teaching Awards.

Stuart Ford, headteacher of St Michael's CE Primary School in Alkrington, Middleton, won a Distinction in the Ted Wragg Lifetime Achievement Award category.

"It's a bit like coming joint second at the Oscars," he said. "I'm very delighted with the award but I'm even more delighted that it was my own staff who nominated me."

Sue Brown, Rochdale Council's Head of Schools, said: "This award is external recognition of Stuart's personal commitment to teaching and his achievements over the years.  It is very well timed, just days before he leaves headship."

Following his retirement at the end of term, Mr Ford plans to travel and already has plans for a cruise and visits to Spain, Australia and New Zealand with his wife, Gwynneth who is a semi-retired teacher.

Mr Ford started his teaching career in 1968 at Greenfield Lane County Primary School in Shaw, moving in 1971 to teach at Alkrington Primary School, Middleton.

He moved to St Michael's as Deputy Head in 1973 and has been headteacher there since 1976.

Mrs Ford taught at Elm Wood Primary in Middleton for more than 20 years.

The Teaching Awards are given nationwide by a charity set up in 1998 by Lord Putnam to celebrate the achievements of the education profession and to raise morale.