A HEADTEACHER who led her school to achieve the best results in national tests of all Rossendale primaries has announced she is leaving.

Tracey Jackson is currently working three months' notice at Northern Primary School in Bacup.

She will be taking up the role of senior manager in Lancashire County Council's pupil referral service in September, which will see her working with special needs children all over South Lancashire.

Mrs Jackson, who will have completed just two years as head of the primary school in Burnley Road, said: "I always had an interest in special needs from the time I first started teaching.

"I always think there is more to be done in any school -- the work is never finished, but this job came up and I couldn't let the opportunity pass.

"I will be sad to go. It has only been two years, but it has been a very busy two years and very important two years for Northern."

Chairman of Governors Nick Stratton, said: "I think it is a sad day for the school that she is leaving.

"I think Mrs Jackson will be a loss to the school, but it is a career development for her and the governors wish her well."