Lifetime Achievement Award for Mrs Dunsford

We are delighted to share some exciting news today that our Head, Mrs Valerie Dunsford, has been rewarded for her devotion to the teaching profession over almost four decades by being awarded a Silver Teaching Award in the Lifetime Achievement category of this year’s Pearson Teaching Awards.

The annual Pearson Teaching Awards recognise the outstanding work of exceptional teachers in schools and FE colleges across the England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.

Pupils, staff and governors gave Mrs Dunsford a special surprise assembly today for the award to be presented. Mrs Dunsford said: ‘I am so honoured to be recognised with this award – especially on Thank a Teacher Day.’

Mrs White added: ‘The school has spent the last 140 years teaching girls, equipping them to thrive and realise their individual needs and capabilities. Val has embodied the founders’ ground-breaking spirit and unshakeable faith in education taking the school on a journey far beyond that which anyone could have imagined.’

‘Her contribution to education also goes further than this school. She is absolutely passionate about strengthening links and collaboration between the Independent and State School sector and has been instrumental in shaping government policy on this.’

‘She has engaged in wide ranging educational activities benefiting local, regional and national communities and demonstrated there are no barriers to what women can achieve, if they put their minds to it. This exemplary role modelling is what captures everyone’s hearts and minds.’

Mrs Dunsford will attend a celebratory tea at the House of Commons on July 4; and on October 2, at a star-studded ceremony in London titled ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’ broadcast on BBC2, she will find out if she is a recipient of one of 12 Gold Plato awards at the “Oscars” for teachers.