A LEADING Leigh teacher is leaving at the end of term to take up a new challenge.

After eight years at Westleigh High, head John Pout will take the helm at the 1,400 pupil Rainhill High - twice the size of Westleigh.

Science specialist and Westleigh High deputy John Banks will succeed Mr Pout.

Though he is sorry to be moving, Mr Pout believes he is leaving the school in good hands and with an exciting future ahead. He joined Westleigh as deputy head in 1996 and was appointed head in 1998.

During this period the school has been transformed, but Mr Pout puts the success down to a great team effort.

A business and IT specialist, he said: "It has been changed from what parents regarded as a sink school to one which is now oversubscribed and academically successful.

"It is all down to team work. The leader of a school has an important role to play, but no more so than the teachers, office staff, cleaners and everyone else involved.

"When I look at Westleigh now the fabric of the building has changed, results have improved, the standard of behaviour is good, IT has improved, I think a job well done."

He said: "I am absolutely delighted that my deputy, John Banks, has beaten off national opposition to take over. He will be a great success.

"He has inspiring times ahead with Westleigh being used more and more by the community, work on the Trees estate, the all weather pitch and the growth of adult education."