A Whitefield teacher has spoken of the valuable roles those in his profession have in being able to make "a lasting impact on young people’s lives" as part of a careers campaign day.

Jack Barlow, a PE teacher at Philips High School on Higher Lane, is backing the "National Thank a Teacher Day" on Thursday, which is supported by the Get Into Teaching campaign.

Latest research from the campaign found 51 per cent of people in the North West - thinking back to their school days - wish they had expressed more gratitude to their teachers.

The findings come as schools, teachers, support staff, children and families across the country come together to pay tribute to all the school staff at the heart of their communities as part of "Thank A Teacher Day".

The day will be led by the Teaching Awards Trust and as part of the celebrations, young people and their families are encouraged to thank the teachers and school staff who help give them a sense of belonging and positively impact their lives – using the hashtags #ThankATeacherDay and #HowWillYouSayThankYou.

Get Into Teaching also carried out a separate survey exploring what people can bring to the workplace and they found that 78 per cent of those in the North West agree that a good school teacher is someone who brings their personality and interests into the classroom.

Mr Barlow said: “Schools are exciting, dynamic working environments which welcome and nurture individuality and creativity.

"Like other jobs, teaching can be hard work sometimes, but nothing beats knowing that you’re having a lasting impact on young people’s lives.

“As a teacher, you are helping young people to discover who they really are and what will help motivate them to do their best, way beyond their classroom years.

“Everyone has a story about a teacher that inspired them.

"I hope I inspire my students because however big or small, everyone can remember at least one teacher that led them to something.

“You don’t expect praise, you just aim to do the very best job you can but receiving recognition or even a simple “thank you” makes the job all the more rewarding."

National leader of education and spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign, Roger Pope, added: “Teachers and school staff do a fantastic and important job in society – bringing a sense of belonging and positively impacting their students and their families.

“Thank a Teacher Day helps us to celebrate this and shine a light on the many inspirational and memorable individuals whose efforts can sometimes go under the radar.

"When someone does say “thank you”, it means a huge amount and makes all the hard work worth it.”