A WIDNES head teacher is embarking on another challenging career beside the school she has worked in for 40 years.

Pam Wright, executive principal of Wade Deacon, is starting a new job as chief executive of a multi academy trust.

The former art block is being converted into an innovative enterprise academy.

Mum-of-two Mrs Wright will continue to support the Birchfield Road school she joined in 1974 as a geography teacher.

Lynne Fox, head teacher of Standish High School in Wigan, is working alongside her two days a week until she takes over as executive principal in September.

Mrs Wright said: “My great pleasure and passion is the children and their achievements, seeing the results go up year on year and the faces of young people picking up their results knowing they will get their place at college and get a good job.”

As a national leader in education, she shared best practice with teachers across the country, and advised schools all over the world working with the British Council.

She has shared her knowledge and expertise with teachers in places as far as China, India, Mauritius, Columbia and the Sudan.

She said: “You bring back ideas, the glittering bits, a bit like a magpie.”

Her pupils’ performance soared after she introduced tracking to monitor each pupil’s progress, setting expected targets and ambitious goals.

Her proudest moment was receiving an OBE from the Queen, accompanied by her husband, Peter, and children, Philip and Nicky.

She said: “It was beyond my wildest expectation. It wasn’t for me, it was for the whole school. The big highlight was meeting former pupil, Steven Marker who works in the Foreign Office getting the MBE.

“It was a thrilling moment to see a former student making a difference in the world.

“I’m so proud and privileged to work at this wonderful school and I hope to continue in my new role.”