AFTER holding a leadership role at Saltaire Primary School for 16 years, Sally Stoker stepped down in December to move into her well-deserved retirement.

It was for her years of dedicated service moulding the school into a fantastic learning environment that Mrs Stoker was nominated for the Leadership Award, and our judges decided her achievements made her the cream of the crop.

Rob Whitehead, who has succeeded Mrs Stoker as headteacher, said she has created a “highly nurturing environment so that every child feels included and valued”.

He also praised her “outstanding leadership” that “has been a key factor in the school’s success”

Following the presentation of the award, Mrs Stoker said: “I am just amazed and delighted, it honestly feels like such a great honour.

“In December I retired, and I really miss the children.

“Luckily I live in the local area so I still get to see them and say hello.

“Saltaire is such a lovely community school and I’m still involved and hearing about it and cheerleading from the sidelines.

“I think the qualities that make a good school leader are just doing the work every day - day in and day out - and not giving up and really celebrating the small successes that take place every day.

“Something good always happens every day and it is important to focus on those things.”

Mr Whitehead added: “Mrs Stoker has demonstrated tireless energy and enthusiasm throughout her career - this infectious approach has had a lasting impact on the school.

“She has been instrumental in leading the school to a very secure position for continued success, and will be greatly missed by children, staff, governors and parents alike.”

Highly commended for the Leadership Award were Bradford Christian School’s Phil Moon, and Juliet Wright of Bankfoot Primary School.