THE new head of one of Bolton's leading schools says he will build on its strengths to "make it even better".

David Burton will lead Canon Slade from September after popular headteacher Alan Mottershead announced he is retiring after three years at the school.

Mr Burton is currently heading Sir John Thursby Community College in Burnley, which is Lancashire's Secondary School of the Year and was runner-up for the Most Inspiration School in the North West.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Canon Slade School as headteacher in September of this year.

"I enjoyed meeting and speaking to students, staff, parents and governors during the interview process. Canon Slade has many strengths and we have a vision to make it even better. I look forward to combining the excellence at Canon Slade with our ideas to work with and for our Canon Slade community. "

Mr Burton started his career as a physics and chemistry teacher after studying at Oxford University.

He has worked in a range of secondary schools including church schools, both Anglican and Roman Catholic, as well as community schools including 11-19 and 11-16.

The Revd Canon Matt Thompson, chairman of governors at Canon Slade said: "He comes to Canon Slade as an educational leader with a proven track record in raising achievement, particularly in previously under-performing groups, and in developing staff in order to serve their pupils as fully as possible.

"Under Mr Burton’s leadership the school has enjoyed sustained improvement in educational outcomes for its pupils.

"Following a two-day rigorous selection process, the governors were clear and unanimous in their view that the decision to appoint Mr Burton was the correct one. We believe that David Burton will be a dynamic, determined, pupil-focused leader who will ensure that every pupil will receive the very best education we can provide.

Mr Burton is a man of deep Christian faith who obviously has the care and welfare of children and staff on his heart. He also has an inspiring and attractive vision for the future of Canon Slade based on these fundamentals which is combined with a very clear understanding of the necessary steps for that vision to be achieved. We look forward very much to welcoming him to the Canon Slade family and to working with him as we begin an exciting new chapter together."

During the summer term, the school will thank Mr Mottershead for his "hard-work and dedication".