THE Headteacher and staff at Great Sankey High School have been selected for a top role supporting schools in challenging circumstances.
Paula Crawley is one of 80 headteachers to be appointed to the role of National Leader of Education (NLE) in the latest recruitment round.
NLEs along with staff in their school – designated a National Support School – use their success and professionalism to provide additional leadership capability in other schools.
Executive Headteacher Mr Jon Wright, an established NLE of some ten years said: “I am delighted that Paula’s hard work has been recognised in this way. This appointment builds our capacity and allows us to give more support to others in our town and the surrounding region to ensure more children in Warrington have an outstanding education.”
Great Sankey High School chair of Governors Mr Andrew Bent is also a National Leader of Governance (NLG). He said:“I am absolutely delighted and would like to add my congratulations to Paula on this prestigious accolade. Paula is an outstanding leader and Headteacher, and will be a fantastic support to any other schools and leaders. This is an exciting time in the school’s history – we now have three National leaders and are one of the only schools in the UK in this position.”
NLEs are deployed to suit the needs of each school needing support, or to those in transition to federation or academy status. The type of support provided is flexible. They also have responsibility for bringing on the next generation of NLEs and National Support Schools.
Cllr Jean Carter, Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for children’s services, said: “Paula has shown tremendous enthusiasm and has really impressed me with her professionalism. She is ideally suited to this prestigious position – which is testament, not only to her excellent work, but also to the high standard of teaching and learning at Great Sankey High School.
“I wish her every success in her role and I look forward to carrying on our excellent working relationship. I am sure she will play an important part in helping schools achieve excellence in everything they do.”
Paula said: “Great Sankey has always been an outward looking school and we firmly believe that working with other schools increases the opportunities and attainment for all students. This role will see us further sharing our good practice. We have a genuine desire to help other schools improve so that more children can benefit from an outstanding education”
Many NLEs/NSSs report improved exam results at the schools they support, as well as their own.
For more information about the national NLE programme visit: www.gov.uk/nctl
