A PASSIONATE head teacher has vowed to enthuse her 1,600 pupils to develop a thirst for learning.

Wendy White took over SS Peter & Paul College in Highfield Road, Widnes, a month ago.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled being here and really excited.

“This school has built very good results for relationships and caring, with nine outstanding elements in its last Ofsted.

“I am determined to retain this holistic education and drive up exam results at all levels.”

Mum-of-two Mrs White, a head teacher for eight years, turned her former school, Holy Cross in Chorley, into one of the best in the north west.

Married for 26 years, her husband is head teacher of a primary school.

She has a 21-year-old daughter studying medicine and a 15-year-old son.

Mrs White, from Ormskirk, who has taught in six schools, said: “First and foremost, I’m a mum and a parent.

“I’ve always had the mantra that if it’s not good enough for my children, then it’s not good enough for the children of my school.

“That’s the standard I judge everything. Is the curriculum good enough for them, the experience, opportunities and exam results?”

She commended the school for achieving its best ever GCSE results and pledged to build on this success.

She said: “I want children to drive their own learning, to be involved and active in lessons.

“I want to enthuse them to be independent thinkers.

“I am competitive. I want this to be the best, positive school in every sense because that is what the children deserve.

“I am passionate about education."