UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 26 JUNE 2015
Graduate Paul Harris has won the Headteacher of the Year award in the Times Education Supplement (TES) Schools Awards.
Paul, who graduated from the University in 1998 with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education and Humanities, is headteacher of Curwen Primary and Nursery School in East London. He received his award at a black-tie event at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, hosted by BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Greg Davies (pictured).
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges including the writer Anthony Horowitz, Dame Joan McVittie and Colin Bell, Chief Executive of the Council of British International Schools.
Paul was appointed headteacher of Curwen Primary and Nursery School back in 2006. At the time the school, situated in one of the most deprived areas of the country, was on Ofsted’s radar as a cause for concern. Through his skill, dedication and infectious personality, Harris transformed the school to such a degree that Ofsted judged it outstanding in 2009, just three years after he took over.
Since then, Paul has built on that success and maintained high attainment: in 2014, 100 per cent of children achieved level 4 in key stage 2 maths tests, 98 per cent in reading and 97 per cent in writing. He is now helping other schools, including Kensington Primary School, where he has become acting headteacher.
Ann Mroz, Editor of TES, commented: “Paul Harris is a galvanising force in school and community, going beyond his role to support and inspire others.”