St Augustine’s Catholic Voluntary Academy and Stamford Welland Academy recognised in Pearson Teaching Awards

Two town schools have been selected above thousands of others for recognition by the Department for Education.

The early years team at St Augustine's primary school in Stamford has been awarded a 'certificate of excellence' from the Pearson Teaching Awards while Vicky Lloyd, principal of Stamford Welland Academy has received a highly commended certificate.

Jenny Darby, teacher of the early years, only started in September and has worked with a team of teaching assistants - Lizzie Gamble, Katie Bush and Barbara Kaczmarek - to improve education in the foundation stage class.

She said: “We are all so proud that our collective expertise, dedication, commitment and hard work is being recognised.

“We all feel very privileged each and every day to work with children and families and hope that we can all help to positively shape their future together.”

The awards are run by the Department for Education and recognise just a handful of schools from across the country.

Headteacher Tina Cox nominated the team as she believed ‘collectively they have worked really hard to support each other and work to their absolute best’ to improve the early years provision.

Vicky Lloyd of Stamford Welland Academy in Green Lane, was nominated anonymously for headteacher of the year and received a highly commended certificate.

As she didn’t know about it, Thomas Weller, vice principal, organised a surprise assembly to present her with the certificate.

A number of pupils stood up and spoke about what she meant to them, describing her as ‘supportive’, ‘welcoming’ and ‘always there for a chat’.

Mrs Lloyd said: “This accolade reflects the collective efforts and dedication of our entire Stamford Welland Academy community.

“I must extend my gratitude to the exceptional staff members who work tirelessly every day to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for our pupils.

“Their unwavering commitment, passion, and dedication are the driving forces behind our collective success.

“To our fantastic pupils, you are the reason why we strive for excellence every day.

“Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn are of constant inspiration to all the staff.”