Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Category sponsor: Keighley College

Gill Edge - Killinghall Primary

GILL Edge, co- headteacher of Killinghall Primary School, has proved to be so successful as a school leader she recently spoke at an education conference in China.
During her time as head she has also been the co-chair of the Bradford Primary Improvement Partnership and a Senior Leader of Education.
In the past few months she has seen the school praised by Ofsted after their latest visit, and spoke to over 1,000 delegates at the China Future Schools Conference. She told the conference how software is used to provide feedback and assessment to her staff to help with their professional development and to raise standards. 
She was nominated by her co-headteacher Claire Spencer, who said: “Gill is a truly inspirational headteacher who deserves special recognition. She has transformed the lives of so many children in our community. 
“Despite continual demands from the Government to raise standards, Gill has never compromised her values and beliefs that all children deserve a quality education and that all schools should be inclusive. 
“Whilst Gill is tireless in giving her all to benefit the school, she is instrumental in sharing her experience and benefiting education in Bradford and beyond.”

Adrian Kneeshaw - Carlton Bolling

ADRIAN Kneeshaw has been nominated for the Leadership Award for the important part he has played in turning Carlton Bolling into an “outstanding” school.
Just a few years ago, and shortly after Mr Kneeshaw took over the headship, the school was placed in special measures and was making national headlines for all the wrong reasons.
But late last year the school was given the top rating by Ofsted. 
The inspectors praised Mr Kneeshaw’s “highly aspirational vision”.
In recent years Mr Kneeshaw has also overseen the move to a new school building, the opening of the school’s cricket academy and helped set up a boxing academy based on school grounds.
Last summer the school also recorded its best exam results.
Ubaid Naseem, one of the school’s assistant heads, nominated Mr Kneeshaw and said: “He took Carlton Bolling college from inadequate to outstanding in three years. 
“The school now boasts one of the best progress scores in the country and is a true success story for Bradford and the community of BD3. 
“Working under his leadership, I can honestly say that this success is due to his determination and ability to motivate teachers towards the school vision – excellence for all.”

David Maxwell - Beckfoot Oakbank

DAVID Maxwell, who left his role at Keighley’s Beckfoot Oakbank School late last year, saw the largest amount of nominations in this year’s schools awards.
He was nominated for the Leadership Award by 35 people, a mix of pupils, parents, colleagues, and former pupils, who praised his time at the helm of the school.
When he stood down he said: “For the past 10 years I have loved every minute of working at Beckfoot Oakbank School.”
Among those who nominated Mr Maxwell were Lauren Daniels, a former pupil. She said: “As a past student I have always looked up to Mr Maxwell as he was not only an amazing and joyful individual, but did everything in his effort to ensure all of his students achieved their best.
“He knew how to earn respect from his pupils by not only being strict but also being great fun too.
“He made the school a better place and also made me feel safe.”
Michelle Howard said: “This man had been an inspiration to both staff and pupils at Beckfoot Oakbank for the last few years. 
“He has improved both attendance and exam results and has taken little credit for this as he is a modest man who praises his staff and students and never himself.”