SHORTLIST: Leadership Award

SHARON LAMBERT - ALLERTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Sharon Lambert is the head at Allerton Primary School. Her nomination from a parent reads: "This experienced headteacher has always been totally committed to the education of Bradford children.

"Despite all the negative things we hear about education in our great city, Allerton school is every thing a Bradford school should be.It is a model of diversity, of culture,faith and socioeconomic back grounds resulting in an internally cohesive school where staff pupils and parents value each other.

"The schools curriculum is exciting,creative and inclusive with pupils following a detailed system of progress engagement and consultation with staff pupils parents and friends. This success does not happen over night,is not a short lived trial,it is the result the excellent head teacher Mrs Lambert.

"This dedicated,experienced,popular,friendly totally committed loving leader makes sure that the school leaves no stone unturned in its effort to respond to every pupils need in often changing circumstances.

"This is evident in every aspect of the life of this vibrant school life.Sharon Lambert is a head who can teach as well as lead. This results in a leader ship with action not words,enthusiasm not complaint,expectation not criticism ,approachable not out of reach,and a genuine love to her vocation.

"This results in a total desire for her school and all who are part of it to be the best it can,and it certainly is ! The best thing of all is that my grand children are part of this school community."

CHRIS CURRIE - DIXONS ALLERTON ACADEMY

There were several nominations from parents for Chris Currie, head of primary at Dixons Allerton Academy.

One said: "Mr Currie is by far the best teacher I have met. He is passionate and enthusiastic in his approach to children's learning. He knows every child by name and is always there in the mornings greeting you as you walk through the school gates.

"He's always hands on and very approachable. He is always looking at ways to improve the primary school and listens to any ideas he's given. Being a headteacher you would think that he is not available for any concerns or questions you may have but again Mr Currie exceeds his expectations."

And: "Chris is a wonderful man and a fantastic head teacher. He is so enthusiastic and passionate about his job. He is a magnificent leader, both in his ability to inspire his team and the way he cares about and interacts with all members of staff. He really cares about his staff, ensuring we are happy - but primarily he cares about the children and the outcomes they achieve."

Another said: "Chris possesses a relentless drive to provide the very best education for the youngsters in his care. His team buy into his vision 100% and this is having great impact on the progress made by the students, many of which come to Dixons Allerton Academy from a low starting point."

STUART HERRINGTON - BOWLING PARK PRIMARY ACADEMY

Stuart Herrington, the head of Bowling Park Primary School in Bradford, has been shortlisted for the Leadership Award.

He sets out his vision on the school website: "Our school exists to prepare and support your child into the future. We want our children to have the highest expectations of themselves. With this in mind, our school vision is that our children become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens."

A nominating parent said: "The School has gone from strength to strength and the contribution and enthusiasm of the school head is the driving force. The school reflects equality and diversity of the community and the school teaches good ethical values.

"The students are tought the cariculam in a healthy environment and the school keeps parents involved in the learning journey and celebrates this achievement by holding excellent assemblies. A school all it' teachers need to be acknowledged and celebrated."

He lists the aims and hopes for the children as: "To help children become successful learners and enjoy achieving in an exciting environment; To promote children’s confidence, independence and aspirations; To encourage children to be caring and to take responsibility for making the appropriate choices; To nurture children’s knowledge and respect for their own and other people’s beliefs and cultures; To work together as a whole school with the support of our parents and the wider community; To make school a happy, healthy and safe place to be."

Telecoms specialist NGC Networks works across the education sector in Yorkshire, improving the communications of primary and secondary schools, academies and colleges.

The firm has considerable expertise in supporting schools and the growing number of academies to get the most from their telecommunications – importantly, helping them to communicate much more effectively with their pupils and families.

In the Bradford district, clients include Bingley Grammar School, Ilkley Grammar School and Oastler’s School. They also work with Outwood Grange Academies Trust, Selby High School and Ripon Grammar School and many others throughout Yorkshire and the North of England.

Their education work involves installing the latest telecoms solutions for each individual school, tailoring the solution to meet their specific needs.

At Bingley Grammar School, NGC Networks manages all of its telephony needs, including landlines and mobiles. “NGC Networks provides an excellent level of service, both in sales and service support," said Richard Durrans of Bingley Grammar School, IT Technical.

At Oastler’s School, Bradford, the firm installed a secure telecoms system suitable to the needs of a school for children with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.

“From the outset, the NGC team responded to each of our requirements with solutions which are working very well,” said Robert Bashforth, Oastler’s assistant headteacher.