A PRINCIPAL who turned a failing school around from has been honoured with a top award.

Patrick Ferguson, of Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows, has been named a Silver Teaching Award Winner for the category of secondary head teachers, in the Pearson Teaching Awards 2016.

In the school's latest Ofsted report published last December Hope was awarded with a 'good' rating and the appointment of Patrick as principal was described as "a fundamental turning point for the academy".

The school, which opened in the autumn of 2011 after a merger between Newton and St Aelred’s high schools, had been placed in special measures in February 2014 after being branded as 'inadequate' by inspectors.

Patrick took over the helm in January 2015 and was described as providing "an exceptional model of leadership for all staff".

The school's leadership, management, teaching, learning and behaviour were all praised by the inspectors.

Patrick will now join fellow Silver Award winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards to be held at a glittering celebration at London’s Guildhall on October 23, where 10 winners will receive a Gold Plato Award.

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: ‘It’s an honour for us to support the Teaching Awards each year. Research shows that great teaching has the biggest impact on a child’s education so it’s vital for us to recognise and celebrate Inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation.

"All those receiving a silver trophy today should feel extremely proud of their achievement."

The ceremony will be filmed and broadcast by the BBC as a showcase of excellence in education. Award presenters in 2015 included David Cameron, Bake Off champion Nadiya Hussain, War Horse author Michael Morpurgo and actor Sheila Hancock.