A HEADTEACHER has attacked "endless initiatives" and "constant scrutiny" which he said was putting talented young teachers off taking on senior roles.

Geoff Walker made his comments during a speech at the first prize-giving evening for the new Pendle Vale College, Nelson, which replaced Walton High School as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Mr Walker said he wanted Pendle Vale to be a centre of excellence even before it moves into its new buildings.

But he said he was concerned about difficulties in recruiting senior staff, saying: "What are we doing to encourage and nurture the younger, talented staff to emerge to become senior leaders and heads of the future?

"I know I have fabulous middle and senior managers who could become outstanding headteachers, but something is putting them off.

"Perhaps it is the politics, the endless initiatives, the constant scrutiny and public accountability, the target-driven culture and lack of respect from certain sections of the community."

Mr Walker will leave the school next month, to take the headteacher's post at a school in Warwickshire, and he praised deputy head Steve Wilson, who will manage the school until a new head is appointed.

But, after spending the last year developing Pendle Vale, Mr Walker urged the community to get behind the Building Schools for the Future project.

He said: "It will be one of the most impressive buildings in the area and will be a landmark for the region. It will certainly be one of the most innovative schools in the country and will be visited by many from outside the area."

In Walton High School's last ever year, 14-year-olds' results have improved, with more than two-thirds of Year 9 pupils gaining Level 5 or above in all four core subjects in their SAT exams.

Performance in GCSEs was slightly down, but Mr Walker said the new school would raise standards in all areas, with ambitious targets for this year. Also, Walton High School enjoyed a number of extra-curricular highlights in its last year, including Prince Charles's visit and youth and community leader Samina Kauser's trip to 10 Downing Street to discuss community projects with Tony Blair.

Mr Walker told the pupils, staff and parents they "reflect all that was good at Walton High School."