New Leigh head has good pedigree... having coached England world cup hero Jonny

Peter Spencer-Lane, the new headmaster of the independent Saint Pierre School in Leigh, took on the role in March this year after the retirement of Chris Perkins who had run the school for 13 years.

Hero - Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup

Mr Spencer-Lane takes the reins from this term onwards, having previously been a consultant on running private schools.

He has also coached many prospective rugby stars, including being the first Fifteen rugby school coach of Jonny Wilkinson, the former England rugby player who is now retired.

Mr Wilkinson, now 39, is renowned for his England performance, most notably for scoring the winning drop goal in England’s World Cup final against Australia in 2003.

Mr Spencer-Lane was present at the game, and was able to view the winning goal, which he said has inspired him to teach others how hard work can bring success.

Mr Spencer-Lane said: “Being connected to Jonny bears a pride way beyond his ruby prowess; Jonny is every inch the decent chap you see on TV, an excellent academic who succeeded in sport because of an unimaginable work ethic and pure determination.

“I believe Saint Pierre has the unique ability to powerfully merge academic excellence with true character development.

“The children here look you in the eye when they shake your hand and are kind, polite and markedly confident.”

“Jonny is an excellent role-model for how success can spring from good character and hard work.

“Saint Pierre pupils should take note of this.”

One of Mr Spencer-Lane’s first trips to organise for the pupils was a visit to an allotment to learn about kitchen gardening from Chef Michael Ainscough. They were given tomato plants to grow in class and are set to return in autumn.

Mr Ainscough said: “It is important that children value and understand the growing cycle. Growing food should be just as exciting an adventure as it is to eat it.”