OVER 200 people packed into the Backstage Centre at High House Production Park in Purfleet on Friday (20 November) to celebrate the winners of the 2015 Thurrock Education Awards.
Guests heard from keynote speaker Ashley John Baptiste, a former X Factor star and previously a looked-after child. He told of being inspired after a trip to Cambridge University which was only possible with belief and guidance from a key worker and teacher.
The evening was hosted by Stephen Drew, Headteacher of Brentwood County High, who was featured in the hit TV show – Educating Essex.
Council Leader and portfolio holder for education, Cllr John Kent, presented the final award – Outstanding Contribution to Education – and said afterwards: “What a tremendous evening!
“With the annual Youth Con taking place last Wednesday, this week has really shown us all how important education is within Thurrock – and how much everyone involved has to be proud of.
“The awards night is a fantastic way to acknowledge the hard work, determination, passion and excellence our educators display day in day out.
“We saw short videos, filmed at over 20 different schools, throughout the evening introducing each category – my personal favourite was the child who was convinced head teachers eat crisps in their office all day!”
Cllr Kent added: “Can you believe we received over 270 nominations? A huge thank you to everybody who got involved this year – Thurrock Council staff, our partners at High House, inspiring speakers, generous sponsors, but most importantly the nominators, nominees, finalists and winners”.
Winners of the evening were:
Outstanding early years practitioner
Presented by Lyn Carpenter, Thurrock Council Chief Executive
Finalists
Ian Ross, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
Debbie Saville, Orsett Pre School
Stifford Clays reception team
Winner: Ella Pullen, Bonnygate Primary
Outstanding new teacher of the year
Sponsored and presented by ALM Training Services
Finalists
Laura Duffy, William Edwards School
Maria Morris, The Hathaway Academy
Juned Uddin, Ormiston Park Academy
Winner: Sarah Hall, Corringham Primary
Aspiring leader
Sponsored and presented by Palmers Solicitors
Finalists
Hayley Jessener, The Olive AP Academy
Jon Purkiss, St Clere’s Academy
Clare Marie Hewitt, Thameside Primary
Winner: Ben Holbrook, Palmers College
Creative learning and resources
Sponsored by High House Production Park and presented by Chief Executive, Andrea Stark
Finalists
Harris Primary Academy Mayflower reception team
Lucy Anderson and Laura Regan, Gable Hall
Janet Leary, The Gateway Primary Free School
Winner: Carol Balmer, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary
Education support
Sponsored and presented by P&G
Finalists
Rebecca Bass, Herringham Primary Academy
Claire Smith Allen, William Edwards School
Graham Love, Treetops School
Winner: Gillian Chisnall, The Gateway Academy
Excellence in English and maths
Sponsored by The Thurrock Enquirer and presented by editor, Neil Speight
Finalists
Parnian Mardanpour, Grays Convent High School
Tracey Boanas, Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred
Nicola Ely, Gable Hall School
Winner: Samantha Wakeling, Quarry Hill Primary Academy
Enterprise and employability
Sponsored and presented by Port of Tilbury
Finalists
Frank Thompson, The Gateway Academy
Lynne Johnson, The Ockendon Academy
Duke of Edinburgh Team, Thurrock Council
Winner: Employability and Skills Team, Thurrock Council
Innovation in learning and technologies
Sponsored and presented by LG Networks
Finalists
Emma Sanderson, Belmont Castle Academy
Victoria Churchman, Treetops
Winner: Emma Poysden, Thameside Primary
Governing body of the year
Presented by Cllr James Halden, Chair of Thurrock Council’s Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Finalists
Thameside Primary
Horndon on the Hill Church of England Primary
Winner: Herringham Primary
Teacher of the year in primary education
Presented by Maria Shepherd – chair of Thurrock Primary Heads Association
Finalists
Rachel Spink, Orsett Church of England Primary
Nella Murthen, Belmont Castle Academy
Laura Lewis, Warren Primary School
Winner: Louise Pike, Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred
Teacher of the year in secondary education
Sponsored and presented by HW Wilson Ltd
Finalists
Huw Breese, The Gateway Academy
Stephanie McGrane, William Edwards School
Mo Coughlan, Grays Convent High School
Winner: Fuschia Burgess, The Ockendon Academy
Teacher of the year in a special school
Presented by Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Gray
Finalists
Sara Peaford, Treetops School
Maxine Murray, Treetops School
Winner: Lisa Bloomfield, Beacon Hill Academy
Head teacher of the year in primary education
Presented by Thurrock Council’s Strategic lead for Education, Roger Edwardson.
Finalists
Tony Parfett, Quarry Hill Academy
Lorna Hamilton, Corringham Primary School
Viki Reid, Herringham Primary Academy
Winner: Mark Jones, Belmont Castle Academy
Head teacher of the year in secondary education
Presented by Thurrock Council’s Director of Children’s Services, Carmel Littleton
Finalists
Barbara King, The Ockendon Academy
Penny Johnson, Grays Convent High School
Winner: Nicola Graham, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred
Outstanding contribution to education
Presented by Thurrock Council Leader and portfolio holder for education, Cllr John Kent
Winner: Vivienne Northall
