Five more educators receive Ambition Institute special recognition awards

The following were given special recognition awards by Ambition Institute in London last weekend:

* Lisa Drogomirecki, Assistant Head Teacher at Allhallows Primary Acdamey in Rochester

* Deborah Simpson, 2nd in Charge of Science at Queen Katharine Academy in Peterborough

* Tom Woudhuysen, Head of Social Sciences at Hampstead School in Camden

* Saqib Chaudhri, Associate Principal at Oasis Academy Shirley Park in Croydon

* Victoria Tully, Deputy Headteacher at Fulham Cross Girls' School in Fulham

They were all recognised at a celebration event at Mary Ward House in Bloomsbury, central London, on Saturday 30 March.

Ambition Institute is a new graduate school for teachers, school leaders and system leaders, formed when two education charities merged last year. Its suite of programmes helps educators serving children from disadvantaged backgrounds to keep getting better.

Over 40 educators congregated in London in the last of two events celebrating those who have completed one of Ambition Institute’s programmes.

Ambition Institute is a new graduate school for teachers, school leaders and system leaders, formed when two education charities merged last year. Its suite of programmes helps educators serving children from disadvantaged backgrounds to keep getting better.

Lisa Drogomirecki was nominated by staff on the programme for her dedication to the Teaching Leaders programme and coaching and for building strong relationships while on the programme.

Deborah Simpson was nominated by her peers for being conscientious, knowledgeable about secondary school education and someone with many years of experience as a teacher and a leader. She was described as a strong person and a gracious leader, diligent with data analysis and someone who strives to raise student attainment and ambition.

Tom Woudhuysen was nominated by his peers for the support and inspiration that he gave them throughout his Teaching Leaders (secondary) programme. He was described as being an excellent combination of professional, ambitious and irreverent, empathetic and pragmatic and an endless pillar of support.

Saqib Chaudhri was nominated by his peers for being someone who is always on the end of the phone if someone needs support, always keen to share ideas and be a critical friend.

Victoria Tully was nominated by her peers for being both a shoulder to lean on and a sharp and well informed voice to bounce ideas around with.

They were presented with their award by ex-Apprentice star Jaz Ampaw-Farr. The awards were sponsored by Pearson, a leading learning company with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology.

Attendees were celebrating completing one of the organisation’s programmes, all of which are designed to deliver impact on pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and ensure they have the

same opportunities to succeed as their classmates. There are options for educators at every stage – from new teachers through to leaders of groups of schools.

Melanie Renowden, interim CEO of Ambition Institute, said: “It’s an absolute honour to celebrate each and every person who has completed one of our programmes this year, and this event marks a really important day for them in their quest to keep getting better. Each of these winners has shown real commitment so it’s right that we recognise them.

“Improving teaching and school leadership is the best way to make sure every pupil gets a great education. No other aspects of the school system have as much influence on pupil achievement, particularly the achievement of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The commitment these educators have shown to their own professional development helps us all on the way to ensuring every child, no matter what their background, has the opportunity to thrive.”

Rich Hickin, Pearson’s Director of Partnerships said: “Supporting teaching and school leadership is extremely important to us at Pearson. Schools are at the very heart of our communities and teachers give their all every day, every month and every year. This important event is about celebrating exceptional leaders and teachers who help students aim high and achieve their potential. Congratulations to all the winners.”