Headteachers celebrated for schools’ success

This week 13 headteachers, education leaders and chairs of governors have been celebrated by the city council for their outstanding contributions to learning in Bristol.

The continued commitment of the city’s education leadership has helped to strengthen schools and raise standards across Bristol. Recent figures from the Department for Education showed over a quarter of the city’s schools are now rated as ‘outstanding’, which is higher than the South West average of 19 per cent.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Jeff Lovell, officially recognised the positive impact of individuals at an awards ceremony held at the Mansion House. He said:

“It is inspiring to see the commitment that these headteachers, leaders and governors have shown to improving education in our city and I’m pleased to be able to honour the contribution they have made. These are people who have in many cases dedicated their lives to improving the chances for children and young people, which is something of huge importance.”

Those receiving the award included chef Jo Ingleby and headteacher Elizabeth Carruthers from Redcliffe Nursery School and Children’s Centre for their pioneering work with children and families on experimental cookery. Tim Clark, head of family services at the Southville Centre Community Development Association, was recognised for developing a flexible and high quality early education service for south Bristol, as well as his work on projects which bring different generations together.

Councillor Claire Hiscott, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

“These individuals set the bar very high for education in Bristol and I’d like to thank them for all the hard work they have put in over the years. It’s no easy task to run a school or give up your time as a governor, but their unwavering commitment has helped to ensure education in Bristol has been improving steadily over the past decade. Bristol recently became England’s first Learning City, which means that many organisations are working to improve opportunities for everyone. Part of this approach means nurturing environments where pupils are valued and respected and want to learn, which is something all of these individuals have contributed to.”

Others celebrated for their achievements include Sarah Baker, headteacher at Redland Green School and Basia McLaughlin, headteacher at St Bernadette’s Catholic College, both of whom recently saw their schools rated as ‘outstanding’ in all aspects. Inger O’Callaghan was commended for her work at Glenfrome Primary, which recently achieved a ‘good’ OFSTED inspection.

Headteachers from some of Bristol’s special schools and pupil referral units were also commended for their work. Darren Ewings from Knowle DGE was noted for the instrumental role he played in developing a partnership between the city’s special needs schools. Jim Bowyer has been acting head at two pupil referral units since 2014 and is supporting partnership between mainstream and specialist schools.

Heads and governors who are retiring or moving on to new roles were also thanked for their work including Amanda Pritchard from St Teresa’s RC Academy, Simon Rowe from Waycroft Academy, Mike Eatwell from Fishponds Academy and Tony Phillips from Chester Park Junior School – one of the first schools to achieve the Bristol Ideal for their work around teaching PSHE. Gordon Richardson, governor at Little Hayes Nursery School and Children’s Centre was also commended for his contribution.