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SecEd PA of the Year Awards 2009

Battle to save school wins Julia PA honour

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When the local authority began consulting on the closure of Dayncourt School in Nottinghamshire, it was Julia Marks – PA to headteacher Tim Mitchell – who stood strong, rallied the school's staff, and staunchly refused to let her colleagues throw in the towel.

In July 2009, the school's future was secured after the council withdrew the threat of closure. According to Mr Mitchell, this was more to do with Julia than with any other individual within the school establishment.

He told us: "Julia kept the faith – even when my own was on the wane. She poked, prodded, chivvied and chided. She kept me focused and on track. She believed."

Julia's amazing contribution to the future of her school has earned her the top prize at the 2009 SecEd Headteacher's PA of the Year Awards, which took place at the prestigious Landmark Hotel in London on Friday 20th November 2009.

Thirty finalists gathered with their headteachers, where they were treated to a gala dinner before being presented with their awards by last year's champion, Pam Waters, and John Rolfe, manager of the DCSF International School Award at the British Council – the award's sponsors.

Pete Henshaw, SecEd editor and member of the awards' judging panel, said that Julia was "person of tremendous drive, passion and vision".

"The standard of entries was unbelievably high, but Julia's commitment to her school's cause under such immense pressure was what made her stand out from the crowd. She is a very worthy winner of this year's gold award, and a fine ambassador for PAs up and down he country."

The silver award went to Elisabeth Collard from Kingsbridge Community College in Devon, while the bronze award was taken by Kim Annison from Alderman Peel High School in Norfolk.

WINNERS OF THE 2009 AWARDS

SecEd is delighted to announce the winners of the Headteachers' PA of the Year Awards 2009.

View pictures of winners from the 2009 PA of the Year Awards

Gold Award

Julia Marks, Dayncourt School, Nottingham

Silver Award

Elisabeth Collard, Kingsbridge Community College, Devon

Bronze Award

Kim Annison, Alderman Peel High School, Norfolk

Highly Commended

  • Jocelyn Benger, Saltash.net Community School, Cornwall
  • Jenny Kissane, Crestwood College for Business and Enterprise, Hampshire
  • Paula Lavender, Heathfield School, Berkshire
  • Sue O’Brien, Arrow Vale Community High School, Worcestershire
  • Shirley Wheeler, Greensward Academy, Essex
  • Christine Wilson, Blue Coat School, Coventry

Finalists

  • Ann Tapper, South Dartmoor Community College, Devon
  • Carol Bailey, Poole Grammar School, Dorset
  • Clare Seibert, Woodside High School, north London
  • Elaine Wisden, Sunbury Manor School, Surrey
  • Halina Smith, Shenfield High School, Essex
  • Helen Pritchett, Belvoir High School, Leicestershire
  • Jackie Heath, St Mary’s Catholic School, Hertfordshire
  • Jane Beaumont, Penistone Grammar School, Barnsley
  • Jane Morton, John Masefield High School and Sixth Form Centre, Herefordshire
  • Jo Cavan, Kingham Hill School, Oxfordshire
  • Joyce Martin, Headington School, Oxford
  • Julie Cumberland, Debden High School, Suffolk
  • Lorette Pinel-Lees, Northampton School for Boys, Northampton
  • Mandy Watt, Beaumont School, St Albans
  • Margaret Johnson, Hampstead School, London
  • Pamela Evans, Belle Vue Boys’ School, Bradford
  • Pam Tuck, Lent Rise School, Slough
  • Pippa Hearn, Glyn Technology School, Surrey
  • Sarah Noke, Eirias High School, Colwyn Bay
  • Theresa Bellsham, Bromley High School GDST, Kent
  • Tracey Sadler, The Bulwell Academy, Nottingham