A HEADTEACHER has another reason to be called 'sir' after being knighted for his brilliant academic work in the New Year's Honours List.

Iain Hall says he is humbled after picking up the honour for his work in transforming Parrs Wood Technology College in Didsbury, South Manchester.

Mr Hall, of Bates Lane, Helsby, has worked hard to turn the school into a beacon centre of learning, as well as securing it an outstanding inspection report from the Office for Standards in Education.

He is looking forward to travelling to Buckingham Palace later this year when he will be officially knighted by the Queen.

Mr Hall joins a long list of celebrities and ordinary folk who have been honoured for their community work and contribution to society.

He says he was astounded in November after learning he had been successful in gaining a knighthood.

"I still can't get over it," said Mr Hall, 58. "What are the children going to call me when I go back to school?"

Mr Hall, who is sharing his success with his partner, Kristy, and three sons, Duncan, Robbie and Simon, has no idea who nominated him for the knighthood but says he is keen to use his title.

"I have been a headteacher for 21 years and my first job was at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in Liverpool.

"I went to Parrs Wood 11 years ago when it was just a set of pre-fabricated buildings. During the past seven years the school has seen a great change.

"There was a land swap deal which raised an awful lot of money to transform Parrs Wood into a high tech school with 500 computers.

"We have gone through massive success and there is now one computer per four children.

"Our Ofsted report did not raise any key issues which is most unusual for a secondary school. We also gained beacon status. The school has gone from nothing into a £12m development.

"The vital work carried out by lecturers, teachers and crossing patrol wardens has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

A Downing Street spokesman said the awards reflected the Government's commitment to education. "Nothing we plan is possible without the skill and determination of the people who work in our public services," he said.