This award is for the heads and school leaders who make a huge difference to the schools they run

Gareth Dawkins

THE much-loved principal of Bradford Academy, Gareth Dawkins, who died last year, has been nominated for the Leadership Award posthumously.
Mr Dawkins had been at the helm of Bradford Academy since it opened in 2007, and sadly died while on a break in Suffolk in October.
After his death, figures from the education sector and beyond paid tribute to his “great enthusiasm, intellect and skill” and former students reacted with sadness at the news.
He was also deputy head at the old Greenhead School in Keighley for five years until 1999, and joined University Academy Keighley in January 2011, as joint executive principal.
And Mr Dawkins also sat on the Bradford Schools Forum.
Tehmina Hashmi, current principal of Bradford Academy, said: “He was at his peak. He was the happiest I’d seen him for a long time.
“People all think fondly of him and know he made a difference.”
Bernie Addison, principal at University Academy Keighley, said: “He could have worked anywhere in the world, he could have had any job, but he chose to be in Bradford and Keighley because he had a real affinity for the area and loved the community. 
“It was such a shock, to so many people. He has left a massive legacy.”

Anne-Marie Merifield

THE executive head of two Bradford nurseries has been nominated for the Leadership Award.
Anne-Marie Merifield was nominated for her role as executive head teacher at St Edmund’s Nursery School and Lilycroft Nursery.
The nomination said: “Anne-Marie is an outstanding, innovative leader who has set the bar high for nursery education in Bradford. 
“St Edmund’s has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times which has led to Anne-Marie setting up Birth-19 Teaching School Alliance and developing a 100-place SCITT to train and develop teachers for the future as well as leading the West Bradford Children Centre Cluster. Anne-Marie is passionate about improving the life chances for Bradford children.”
Lindsay Mihailovic, head of St Edmund’s, said: “She lives in the city and feels passionately about the city. She sees that many things happening in the city are outstanding practice. She really wants what is best for the children and families of Bradford.”
Mrs Merifield said: “When I started as a head in St Edmund’s in 2003 we had 52 children. Now, across two sites, we have 300 children.”
“If I can retire in a few years’ time and know I’ve made a difference to Bradford children, that’s what I want to do.”

Duncan Jacques, Horton Grange, Copthorne, Horton Park Primaries and Canterbury Nursery

THE executive head of several schools across Bradford has been nominated for his work in turning schools around.
Duncan Jacques oversees Horton Grange, Copthorne and Horton Park primaries, as well as Canterbury nursery.
The nomination said: “Duncan is in no doubt an exceptional leader. 
“He has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career. His first headship, in Leeds, saw him take his school to outstanding. 
“He took over the leadership of Horton Grange Primary when it was in special measures – with the school becoming outstanding with eight years. 
“Since then, he has gone on to become the executive head teacher of Copthorne and Horton Park Primaries and Canterbury Nursery, as well as the now CEO of Exceed multi-academy trust with two teaching schools and a developing SCITT. 
“He is magnanimous and altruistic in his time and support of colleagues across the area – all done with his renowned sense of humour.” 
Mr Jacques said: “I never believe I know best, I always take advice from colleagues, and from that you can plot your course. 
“It doesn’t always go the way you want it, but as long as you get to the destination, that’s fine.”