Citation

Inexhaustible. Runs four-day “transition camps” for top-year primary pupils and their parents, a summer literacy school, and an in-school adult education programme. Also raises a fortune for charities. “Not only has she enriched the lives of so many children and their parents, she has given them the gift of enriching the lives of others, too.”

Background

Primary trained, came to secondary 15 years ago by chance. “I was collecting my teacher sister from Blakeston - they asked if I could possibly do a couple of days . . . and I’ve been here since.” Now head of lower school and primary liaison.

Turning points?

“The happy chance that brought me to Blakeston - and then, six years ago, getting the chance through City Challenge to set up a community education project here and making it a real ladder of opportunity for parents with tough lives. It’s still running.”

Most proud of?

“Just that, really - the fact that we’ve kept the community programme, even after the special funding finished. And I’m proud of what these parents have achieved. Twelve have completed a demanding teacher assistant course and are now working. These are often parents who hated their school days, and now their lives are changing. I’m thrilled by that.”

Any regrets?

“That it didn’t all happen 10 years ago - and that other people here haven’t had the recognition that’s come to me.”

And if you win?

“I’d be amazed. But I’d love the prize money. I’d use it to help more parents come to camp with our new Year 7s.”

MICHAEL DUFFY

The national finals of the teaching awards will be held in London on October 28, and broadcast on BBC1 on November 4. www.teachingawards.com