Four Northampton teaching heroes awarded for being 'outstanding' at their job

Teachers and schools across the David Ross Education Trust were recognised for their outstanding commitment to teaching excellence and professionalism in a national in-house awards ceremony.

The academy trust, which operates 34 schools from London to Yorkshire, held its annual Inspiration Awards for Teaching Excellence in September during a virtual ceremony.

This year, seven schools across Northampton won a total of eight awards ranging from the unsung hero award to inspirational leader.

This year, Eastfield Academy won the award for Primary Academy of the Year, which is awarded to a primary school that has demonstrated its ability to transform the life chances of the local children as well as enriching the school’s local community.

Clair Mills, headteacher of Eastfield Academy said: “I am extremely proud of our Eastfield school community and how hard everyone has worked to ensure our pupils feel safe and make excellent progress with their learning. It is lovely to get recognition through the award, we are a team at Eastfield and we will keep striving for the best education for all of our children.”

Briar Hill Primary School headteacher Janey Cooksley won the award for Inspirational Leader of the Year in a primary, which recognises a leader who knows and cares for their pupils and creates 'incredible' environments where they can thrive.

Janey said: “I am beyond proud to lead Briar Hill Primary School. The staff and I have created a positive culture where we have the highest ambition for all children to succeed and as a result are a nationally high performing school where children excel. This award is for all our fantastic pupils that are a credit to the school.”

Kings Heath Primary Academy’s Wendy Etheridge won the Unsung Hero Award, which recognises colleagues that have made exceptional contributions to the Trust, but whose hard work can often go unnoticed.

Wendy said: “I am very proud to be recognised for all the hard work I do in a job I love, working with an amazing team of people.”

Kim Duff, principal of Kings Heath Primary Academy, said: “Wendy’s contribution to life at Kings Heath Primary Academy has always been tremendous and ensures all children and pupils are very well cared for and always goes beyond the call of duty. I am absolutely delighted Wendy has been recognised for her hard work and we are incredibly proud.”

Malcolm Arnold Academy also had an award winning teacher this year; Ruby Satchell was presented with the award for Newly Qualifed Teacher of the Year, which aims to recognise the new teacher that joins the David Ross Education Trust, and brings an abundance of new ideas and enthusiasm to the school they work in.

Ruby said: "It is an absolute honour to have received such an award and to be recognised for doing a job that I just absolutely love."

Stuart Burns, CEO of the David Ross Education Trust, said: “The Inspiration Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate our wonderful colleagues right across the country. My huge congratulations to all the winners this year – they have all clearly gone above and beyond every day, and absolutely deserve to be recognised for their dedication and commitment to our pupils."