Sponsored by Leadership Edge

Recognising inspirational school leaders whose role has led to significant and positive improvements in primary education by inspiring and facilitating the wider school team.

2026 Recipient
Robert Bell - Headteacher, Consilium Evolve

Robert Bell is a highly respected educational leader serving as **Headteacher (Principal) of Consilium Evolve, an alternative provision school in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. Known nationally for his pioneering work in supporting pupils who struggle to access mainstream education , this years recipient has made an outstanding contribution to inclusive leadership and tailored support for vulnerable learners. Now sharing expertise across a wider family of schools to improve practice in SEND and pupil wellbeing, the leadership style emphasises empathy, innovation and partnership with families, and he has spoken at national conferences such as the Westminster Insight Alternative Provision Conference about creating environments where pupils feel safe and supported to succeed.

Overall, Robert's career illustrates how committed leadership can transform the educational experience for students who have previously been at risk of disengagement, offering them purpose, confidence and renewed hope in their learning journeys.

Highly Commended
Spencer Lewis
Executive Headteacher, Yavneh College

Mr Spencer Lewis is the long-serving Executive Headteacher of Yavneh College in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, where he leads a large secondary and sixth form school of more than 1,000 pupils. Under his leadership the school has been consistently rated highly for academic outcomes, with personal development and leadership emphasised strongly as part of the school’s ethos. Yavneh College combines academic rigour with a supportive environment rooted in respect and community values, and Lewis’s leadership has played a central role in shaping that culture.

In 2025 he was recognised nationally at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, receiving a Silver Award and being shortlisted as a finalist for Secondary Headteacher of the Year for his contribution to school leadership. The award highlights his commitment to excellence, pupil wellbeing and inclusive practice, which have contributed to strong results and a positive school reputation in the East of England. Students and staff describe him as an inspirational leader whose focus on kindness and high expectations helps drive continuous improvement and school pride.

Lucy Harrison
Headteacher, The Archer Academy

Lucy Harrison is a nationally recognised secondary school leader in the UK, serving as Headteacher of The Archer Academy in London. She has built a strong reputation for visionary and inclusive leadership, and in 2025 she was named Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School at the Pearson National Teaching Awards — one of the most prestigious honours in British education given to exceptional school leaders.

Under her leadership, Archer Academy has flourished as a vibrant and supportive learning community where academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with wellbeing and innovation. Harrison’s approach places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, flexible working practices, and student voice, helping to create an environment where pupils feel valued and supported to succeed. She has introduced thoughtful changes to the school day and timetable to reduce stress and improve engagement, and her commitment to knowing every student by name reflects an authentic, personal leadership style.

Harrison’s leadership has been celebrated not only for outcomes but for the positive culture she has fostered — where staff retention is high and pupils’ voices contribute to shaping their school experience.

2025 Recipient:  Mark Thomas - Brymore Academy, Somerset

Former Headteacher of Brymore Academy in Somerset, Mark dedicated over 14 years to transforming the school into a top-performing institution. Under his leadership, Brymore advanced from the bottom 10% to the top 10% nationally for student progress, becoming the most oversubscribed school in Somerset. The academy, a state-funded boarding and day school for boys, offers a unique curriculum that includes husbandry, milking, engineering, and access to extensive facilities like a 100-acre farm, gardens, and workshops. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Mark was honored as the Gold Winner for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School at the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards. 
 

Highly Commended

Andrew Hodkinson MBE - West Oaks School, West Yorkshire

Honoured with an MBE in 2024 for his exceptional services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, Andrew's leadership of West Oaks has achieved four consecutive 'outstanding' Ofsted ratings and expanded to become one of the UK's largest SEND provisions, now operating across three sites with a capacity for 440 pupils aged 2 to 19. He has also prioritised mental health by establishing external counselling services and creating supportive environments within the school. His dedication extends beyond West Oaks, as he has shared his expertise to assist other SEND provisions across the UK and internationally. ​
 

Ian Chamberlain - Smestow Academy, West Midlands 

​Ian became headteacher of Smestow Academy in January 2023, when the school joined the Matrix Academy Trust. At that time, the school had faced challenges, including an 'inadequate' Ofsted rating and frequent leadership changes. Under his leadership, the school has undergone a remarkable transformation, now ranking among Wolverhampton's top-performing schools. He attributes this success to a collective effort, emphasising consistent expectations and a focus on creating a safe, respectful learning environment. His dedication to educational excellence has been instrumental in revitalising the school's reputation and performance.
 

Rosslyn McFadden - Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, Durham

Durham Johnston was recognised as the Northeast's Secondary School of the Year for 2025 and received the State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence award, rising over 20 places nationally to rank joint 155th. Rosslyn McFadden's  inclusive approach has led to impressive post-18 destinations, with students progressing to prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, the London School of Economics, and Imperial College London. Additionally, students have secured degree apprenticeships with companies like Nissan and Siemens, both locally and internationally. Rosslyn McFadden's dedication to academic excellence and social justice ensures that all students are supported to become the best versions of themselves. 

Presented to Rod Sims

During his six year stint as head of York High School, Rod has overseen dramatic improvements. After an inadequate rating in 2017, strong relationships have been forged between between parents, staff and pupils, while an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, encompassing sport, cookery, languages and current affairs, have helped to see the school now rated as Good.

2024 Nominees

Neil Renton - Harrogate Grammar School, North Yorkshire
Katharine Birbalsingh - Michaela Community School, London

2023: Presented to James Eldon Manchester Academy

Hugely experienced in school improvement, James Eldon’s leadership skills were demonstrated by the transformation of Manchester Enterprise Academy in Wythenshawe, which went from ‘inadequate’ in 2012 to ‘good’ three years later. Since taking the reins in 2018 as Principal of United Learning Trust’s Manchester Academy in Moss Side, these skills have brought numerous benefits to the local community, where strong partnerships have worked to support students to recover their education post-Covid. His ambition helps to develop pride and confidence in staff and pupils.

2023 Nominees

Matthew Burke
Headmaster - St Edward's, Cheltenham

Since being appointed as the Head at St Edward’s in 2020, Matthew has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as a role model for both staff and students while transforming academic life in challenging times. His roles with the Independent Schools Association, The Society of Heads and Catholic Independent Schools conference provide the school with a national presence. Engagement with local business associations has led to vital work experience and careers guidance for its students - raising standards, improving outcomes and inspiring future school leaders.

Arthur Barzey
Headteacher - Heron Hall Academy, London

Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Arthur trained in medicine before embarking on his 25 year teaching career at Woodside High School in Tottenham, North London. Since becoming head of Heron Hall in 2018, his unique leadership style and belief that the responsibility for pupils’ wellbeing should not stop at the school gates has seen the school’s intake double. In an area of high economic deprivation, grades now meet the national average. Recently named Headteacher of the Year at the Tes Awards, Arthur’s success helps those from BAME backgrounds to aspire not just to teaching, but to leadership.