2025
Gold Award Winners New Collaborative Learning Trust Pontefract Road, Normanton Industrial Estate Normanton, WF6 1RN
01977 802802 info@nclt.ac.uk www.nclt.ac.uk
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A Message from the Trust CEO Richard Fletcher Cheif Executive Officer
It is with immense pride that I congratulate all of our Trust Heart Awards Gold Winners. Each of you has shown exceptional dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The impact you have made on the lives of our students and on the wider school/college community is highly admirable. These awards are more than a recognition of achievement; they are a celebration of the passion, teamwork, and resilience that define who we are as a Trust. Every day, you go above and beyond to inspire, support, and nurture the next generation. Whether through teaching, providing vital support, or working together as a team, your efforts create opportunities and transform lives. You truly embody the heart of our mission, and we are honoured to celebrate your success. Thank you for everything you do, not just today, but every day to make our schools places where children can thrive and doors can be opened to a brighter future. Your commitment reminds us all why education matters and why our work is so important. Congratulations to our winners.
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College Phase Congratulations to our Trust Heart Award Gold winners!
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Outstanding Individual Achievement: Teacher Rebecca Farmer
Gold Winner
As a recent ECT, Rebecca has had a huge impact on the experiences and outcomes in A level photography, achieving ALPS 2 for the last 2 years.
Outstanding Middle Leader Laura Carlin
Gold Winner
Laura’s management of the study support team is outstanding, as is her commitment to her own professional development. Laura has an enviable ability to remain calm and professional even in the face of challenging situations and has been complimented by professionals, parents and colleagues alike over the last academic year for her knowledge, skills and understanding and care and compassion.
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Outstanding Senior Leader Helen Lonsdale
Gold Winner
Helen has driven the increase in positive destinations at NCP that we are all exceptionally proud of. She has worked tirelessly to implement a host of key changes to the communication to parents, to the tutorial programme, to the tracking of students, and to the leadership of PTs. She has developed new initiatives in college, such as employer take over week, she has formed new relationships with HE contacts and worked with subjects to promote increases in University trips and visits. Last year NCP had 98% completion rate in work experience, an area that Helen leads which is the highest completion rate we have achieved to date. She also arranged for all staff to visit Leeds Beckett Uni for a CPD day, facilitating links between NCP staff and LBU academics to benefit student progression and experience at NCP.
Outstanding Subject Achievement BTEC Dance
Gold Winner
Outstanding value-added data (ALPs and Nick Allen) for BTEC Dance. Dance has become a very successful and highperforming subject, bringing much more than strong outcomes to the college. It has given the college a new energy.
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Outstanding Contribution to Student Enrichment Raza Siddique
Gold Winner
Raza works tirelessly to promote enrichment as a central pillar of the student experience, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every young person has access to meaningful, memorable and horizon-broadening opportunities. His natural ability to motivate others, combined with boundless enthusiasm and genuine belief in the potential of our students, has led to remarkable levels of engagement across the college.
Outstanding Support Staff Member Tom Thorpe
Gold Winner
An absolute asset to the college and the Trust. Highly professional and a fantastic role model for sports students. In addition to organising the excellent varsity competitions, Tom has also supported both the primary and secondary phases by leading their versions of varsity inter-school competitions. Tom has become a real favourite across the Trust because of his passion and desire for competitive sport.
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Outstanding Support Team Reception, Student Services & PA/Operations
Gold Winner
The team work that this small team demonstrate is second to none. They work tirelessly to ensure that students, staff and visitors are met with smiles and professionalism. They are the buffer and front door for everything, and manage complaints, rudeness, emergencies, ill health and queries with the upmost of professionalism and care. In addition to their front of house function the organisational and logistical qualities driven from this team are first class.
Outstanding Pastoral Care Amreen Rafiq
Amreen’s work as a SPT is consistently of the highest standard—rigorous, robust and underpinned by visible fairness and consistency. Amreen’s leadership of her team stands out; she models excellence, provides clarity and direction, and inspires confidence through her calm, measured and highly effective approach.
Gold Winner
Amreen’s communication is exemplary. She embodies the values of candour, care and challenge in all aspects of her line management and in her expectations of the students she supports. Her ability to balance high standards with genuine empathy makes her an exceptional role model for staff and students alike.
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Values in Action (5 C’s) Shaun McMaster
Gold Winner
At the start of this year Shaun approached college leaders to ask if we were doing anything about the flag situation (the union jack and St Georges cross flags that started to appear everywhere in the community). I asked Shaun if he could produce something that could go into tutorials. Shaun produced a brilliant PowerPoint that explained why some people were flying flags, why some people might find this offensive and why it is important for students to understand where they are getting their information from online (i.e. how to spot fake news on social media). Shaun attended the PT meeting to give guidance to the staff on how to deliver the slides. I think that because of his care, commitment, candour, collaboration and challenge (of what we doing about such a controversial topic) we now have 2800 better informed students on the difficult topic of immigration.
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Secondary Phase Congratulations to our Trust Heart Award Gold winners!
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Outstanding Individual Achievement: Teacher Beth Moores
Gold Winner
Beth has been at Brinsworth since ECT and from the outset has been a credit to us. She always goes above and beyond for everyone with a smile and the most beautiful manner. It is no surprise that students in RE achieve exceptional results and that in our recent school review students stated that PSCHE is their most valued subject. Beth has quickly progressed from teacher to head of RE and now to Head of PSCHE/RE and I am sure she will continue to go onto great things.
Outstanding Middle Leader Cherie Haywood
Gold Winner
Cherie has absolutely transformed MFL at Dinnington. Students now really enjoy Spanish and absolutely love her lessons and those that her department teach. She has completely overhauled the curriculum and the exam results in the summer were unrecognisable compared to the year before, improving the average grade from a 2.8 to 5.6! What an amazing achievement!
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Outstanding Senior Leader Steve Grenham
Gold Winner
Steve is simply incredible. He is the hardest working person that I have ever worked with and he is completely child centred; every hour he puts in is to benefit children. His relationship with students and their families are exceptional and he has the hard conversations every day and remains so positive and focused on making things better. He is an absolute dream to have on your team and is a total asset to our school!
Outstanding Subject Achievement Engineering
Gold Winner
A Level Engineering results are exceptional – APE of 45, Average grade of D*-, 5 D*, 1 D and 1 M! Our Engineering students are leaving school with fantastic grades to help them with their next destinations.
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Outstanding Contribution to Student Enrichment Scott Foster
Gold Winner
Scott leads the technical theatre enrichment, supports trips, visits, school shows, and all school events, and has been a key part of the Technical Community Cenotaph Service for the past 20 years, demonstrating true commitment to Wingfield and the wider community.
Outstanding Support Staff Member Marie Betts
Gold Winner
Marie is just simply invaluable! She is worth her weight in gold. Nothing is ever too much trouble and she consistently goes above and beyond in her work every single day.
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Outstanding Support Team MLD Resource Centre
Gold Winner
Our MLD resource staff work exceptionally hard to ensure our students who have the most complex needs are fully integrated into our academy. From meeting students at the door of their taxis, to supporting them in learning and social times. Nothing is ever too much for all the staff who put the students first and forefront every time. True inclusion is at the heart of everything they do. Parents are highly complimentary of the resource centre and say that it exceeds expectations. We are truly privileged to work with such extraordinary colleagues.
Outstanding Pastoral Care Evie Atter
Gold Winner
Evie is an outstanding pastoral leader, she knows her students inside out, always making time for them while firmly holding the line. She truly understands the balance of caring personally while maintaining high expectations, ensuring students feel supported and guided to succeed. Evie is deeply loved by both students and parents, reflecting the trust, respect, and positive impact she has on everyone she supports. Evie is often the first person a student turns to, showing just how approachable, trusted, and dependable she is in supporting their needs.
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Values in Action (5 C’s) Rebecca Montgomery
Gold Winner
Rebecca manages numerous pastoral systems with efficiency and an exceptional eye for detail, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She has really supported the pastoral team, and as an ex student of Wingfield she is 100% committed to it’s success.
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Primary Phase Congratulations to our Trust Heart Award Gold winners!
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Outstanding Individual Achievement: Teacher Chloe Caborn
Gold Winner
Chloe is an exceptional teacher whose positive attitude, compassion and commitment make a profound difference every day. Her dedication to the wellbeing of the children in her care is truly inspiring. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Feedback from the parents of children in Chloe’s classroom is always positive. Parents regularly speak highly of Chloe’s care and enthusiasm. Chloe also plays a key role in supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues with her warmth, optimism and approachable nature. Chloe leads both Spanish and Music across school and demonstrates outstanding passion and dedication – including leading the school choir and rocking out on the drums in our termly Rocksteady concerts. Chloe’s continual positivity, caring nature and commitment to excellence make her a truly deserving recipient of the Heart Award. She embodies the values of compassion, teamwork and joy that lie at the heart of our school.
Outstanding Middle Leader Heather Boot
Gold Winner
Heather exemplifies outstanding middle leadership through her dual role in art and enterprise. She has taken full responsibility for organising raffles, fayres, and numerous fundraising events, investing significant time and effort outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends. Heather’s dedication is evident in the way she sources prizes, manages finances, and coordinates every detail to ensure success. Her commitment to providing memorable events for the community and promoting Redscope’s values is exceptional, making her a truly deserving candidate for this award.
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Outstanding Senior Leader Claire Bratt
Claire was nominated not just by SLT, but by a number of staff from within school (in particular, Puffins staff). Over the course of 2024-25, she fought tirelessly to secure funding and support for our SEP, leading to it being seen by the authority as a best practice model, and one of the key reasons we won bronze at the National Teaching Awards. She secured £50,000 funding for the room from the LA, resulting in a complete renovation, plus at least £20,000 per child uplift funding. During the year we also welcomed three new children into the SEP, including one transfer from another school where his needs were not being appropriately met.
Gold Winner In addition to this, Claire was instrumental in providing SEND support to one of our most vulnerable children in school, who required whole-school trauma informed training. She also instigated sensory circuits in school and overhauled the staff approach to SEND documentation. On top of this, Claire introduced a programme of SEND drop-ins that were very well received.
Outstanding Subject Achievement Redscope Y6 team
Gold Winner
The Year 6 team of teachers and teaching assistants consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication and professionalism. They work tirelessly to improve outcomes for every child, and their impact is evident: results across all subjects are significantly above national averages. This achievement is particularly remarkable given that our school is in the fifth quintile of deprivation. The team’s ethos is clear – they push every child to achieve their very best, celebrating small steps along the way. They go above and beyond daily, ensuring that learning is engaging, rigorous, and tailored to individual needs. Their excellent assessment practices mean misconceptions are swiftly addressed, enabling children to gain confidence and make sustained progress. Through innovative thinking and a collaborative approach, the team has transformed outcomes. Results have improved across the board, with more pupils reaching the expected standard and many achieving greater depth. Their relentless commitment, creativity, and teamwork make the magic 18 happen every single day.
Outstanding Contribution to Student Enrichment Lainy Baird
Gold Winner
Lainy is one of those members of staff who everyone across the trust seems to know. She does a huge amount in her own time, and has supported student enrichment no end. She runs sports clubs for children constantly and is always entering competitions and accompanying children at them. She has also run clubs for families (including a family boot camp), run “Wake Up Wednesdays”, where she appears on the infant yard before the start of the day with a boom box and makes everyone dance (!) and planned whole school events like our Santa Dash etc. She’s priceless.
Outstanding Support Staff Member Tracey Briggs
Gold Winner
It’s very hard to choose individual TAs for this role, but Tracey has been nominated because she is just always so, so brilliant. She is a longstanding member of staff who has worked in our Foundation Stage for over 20 years as a nursery nurse. Throughout last year she was called upon to cover the class for some extended periods, and as she has done previously, she did this with no complaint whatsoever. Tracey is a hard worker who, although getting on with her role quietly, has had an immeasurably positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children who have passed through the doors at Greenlands. I would really love to recognise Tracey with this award.
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Outstanding Support Team Thorpe Hesley Estates Team – Cleaners and Site Manager
Gold Winner
We are extremely lucky to have an exceptional estates team who work super hard to keep the school environment clean. They are regularly faced with glitter galore etc following themed days and art activities and they always take this in their stride with positivity and never a grumble. We have had a couple of long-term staff absences within the cleaning team over the past year and the team have really pulled together to take on extra hours and share out the additional roles. Again, they have done this with no fuss and without even being asked. Following building work over the Summer, they also put in additional hours voluntarily to ensure that the school was looking its best ready for the children’s return.
Outstanding Pastoral Care Dawn Mason
Gold Winner
Dawn has been a cornerstone of Redscope Primary for almost 25 years, playing a pivotal role in supporting pupils and families with compassion and professionalism. She works exceptionally well with some of our most challenging families, always seeing the good in everyone while providing care, challenge, and unwavering support. Her ability to build trust and positive relationships has made her indispensable to the school community. Many families, often with complex social care histories, affectionately refer to her as their “school mum,” which speaks volumes about the impact she has had. Dawn’s dedication and kindness make her a truly deserving candidate for the Outstanding Pastoral Care award.
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Values in Action (5 C’s) Katie Dawson
Gold Winner
Katie exemplifies our core values of care, candour, commitment, collaboration, and challenge in her role as School Operations Officer. She is extremely flexible, able to turn her hand to anything, and always willing to help wherever needed. Her approachable, kind and caring nature shines through in every interaction—with staff, children and parents—creating a positive and supportive atmosphere across the school. Katie has shown exceptional commitment by pulling her team together and fostering a strong sense of unity and positivity. Her ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges demonstrates both candour and challenge, as she tackles complex tasks with honesty and determination. She is central to the success of our whole-school events— these simply would not run without her commitment and organisational skills. Through her collaborative spirit, Katie ensures that everyone feels supported and valued. She is, quite simply, an all-round fabulous person whose actions every day reflect the values we hold dear.
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Trust Central Congratulations to our Trust Heart Award Gold winners!
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Outstanding Individual Support Les Reed Les is everyone’s hero because he turns old into new, and dust into gold. If a school or college has had Les involved in any sort of improvement project, then you know good things are happening. So it will come as no surprise that Les is a Trust favourite because he delivers on his promises.
Gold Winner
Another reason for recognising Les in the Outstanding Individual Support Award category is all the work he leads behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. This is the sort of work that keeps all the schools compliant and keeps us all safe. An experienced campaigner who is absolutely brilliant at his job. Very well deserved.
Outstanding Central Team Function Marketing
Gaz and Jack go quietly about their business, causing no fuss but helping whoever asks for their assistance. Gaz and Jack are the ones who support our schools in many ways, often including social media campaigns, videography, internal and external displays and signage, website upkeep, and all of the marketing literature we produce across the Trust. No job is ever too big or too small.
Gold Winner
With happy, smiley faces and positive outlooks on life, both Gaz and Jack provide a Trust service that supports all of our schools and colleges with their PR requirements. What they produce is always of a really high standard. Definitely a highperforming Trust team. Well done boys.
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Values in Action (5Cs) Gary Lee A very worthy winner of this award, Gary epitomises everything good about the Trust. As an ex–New College Pontefract student, he’s never really left us, and one of the reasons he’s never left is because we’ve never allowed him to. He’s a genuinely good egg with loads of technical ability. What Gary doesn’t know in terms of IT isn’t worth knowing. To accompany his amazing skill set, he shares and lives the Trust’s values in abundance.
Gold Winner
Care - A very caring individual who will go above and beyond to help anyone who would benefit from Gary's expertise. Challenge - Loves a challenge, so if there is an IT problem to solve, then Gary is your man. Collaboration - Works across all 9 schools and colleges supporting, helping and sharing good practice with all of our IT colleagues. Commitment - A loyal and dedicated employee of NCLT, available 24/7 whenever you need his support. Candour - Like anyone with great values, he's working on this one!
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Governance Congratulations to our Trust Heart Award Gold winners!
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Board of Directors Award Anthony Dee
Gold Winner
I am delighted to announce Anthony Dee as the Gold winner for the Board of Directors. Anthony exemplifies unwavering commitment and positivity in everything he does. His support for the Trust and its nine schools and colleges is second to none. Wearing many hats as an outstanding volunteer, Anthony serves as a Trustee, Chair of New College Pontefract, and plays key roles on the Appraisal and Buildings Committees. He is also the link Director for Sustainability, championing initiatives that benefit our entire community. Beyond these responsibilities, Anthony regularly visits our schools and colleges, actively participates in exclusion and suspension panels, and ensures that every decision reflects our values. His dedication and energy make him an indispensable asset, everyone needs an Anthony Dee!
Richard Fletcher CEO - NCLT
Members Award Kim Bottomley
Gold Winner
I am proud to announce Kim as Gold winner for our Members. Kim has been instrumental in revitalising our Members group, bringing renewed energy and purpose to its work. With many years of experience across a range of governance roles, she brings deep knowledge and insight to her current position, ensuring that the Board of Directors is performing at the highest standard. Kim’s commitment goes far beyond meetings, she regularly supports our schools by stepping in for suspension and exclusion panels at a moment’s notice. As a deeply rooted member of the Rotherham community, Kim continues to champion our schools and the wider Trust with passion and dedication. Her expertise, responsiveness, and unwavering support make her an invaluable asset to our governance team.
Richard Fletcher CEO - NCLT
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Outstanding Governor (College Phase) Gemma Stead
Gold Winner
Since joining the NCB Advisory Group, Gemma has really got stuck in to her role as careers link. She visits the college regularly, supporting students with their applications to university, and has been a great help in organising HE events and other opportunities for students at NCB.
Outstanding Governor (Secondary Phase) Sam Brooks
Gold Winner
Sam is just exceptional. She is the most committed person ever and genuinely wants the very best for Dinnington. She is totally selfless with her time and attends absolutely everything that we have going on at school. We wouldn’t be able to make the improvements we are making without her dedication and support and this is so appreciated!
Outstanding Governor (Primary Phase) Mike Firth
Gold Winner
Mike is an exceptional Chair of Governors who provides unwavering support and guidance to Redscope. His weekly catch-ups with Alison and Sam are invaluable, helping to reflect on and process the week effectively. Mike champions the school’s vision, attends community events, and consistently promotes Redscope’s cause. He strikes the perfect balance of support and challenge, demonstrating huge commitment and dedication to the role. Everything you could want in a governor—Mike is a fantastic leader and a true asset to our school community. 27
CEO Special Recognition Congratulations to our Trust Heart Award Gold winners!
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School /College of the Year
Gold Winner
Redscope Primary School has truly earned the title of School of the Year in 2025. Under the outstanding leadership of Headteacher Alison Bradbury, Deputy Head Sam Warpole, and the Senior Leadership Team, the school has created an environment where excellence thrives. A talented and hardworking staff body ensures every child receives a firstclass educational experience, filled with opportunities to grow and succeed. The joy on the children’s faces when you visit Redscope speaks volumes, they love their school. This year’s SATs results reflect years of consistent, high-quality teaching and the genuine dedication of the team. Well done to all the staff at Redscope on this well-deserved award. You absolutely make a positive difference to the lives of the children who attend our school. Be very proud! Thank you.
Richard Fletcher CEO - NCLT
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Principal/Headteacher of the Year Kerry Wade
Gold Winner
I am absolutely thrilled to crown Kerry Wade as NCLT Headteacher of the Year. Her exceptional leadership has transformed the school in a relatively short space of time, into a thriving, high-achieving community where both staff and students flourish. Through vision, collaboration, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to high expectations, Kerry has inspired a culture of ambition and care that touches every classroom. Kerry’s ability to lead with integrity, empower leaders and staff, and create opportunities for every student has resulted in significantly improved outcomes and a school environment where children truly love to learn. This award is a testament to her tireless work so far on the schools journey, and the positive difference she continues to make every single day. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! The school, staff and community of Dinnington are very lucky to have you Kerry. Thank you.
Richard Fletcher CEO - NCLT
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Lifetime Achievement Award Trudi Toms
Gold Winner
I am honoured to present Trudi Toms with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Trudi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning roles as a Primary School Teacher, Headteacher, Local Authority Consultant, CEO, and most recently, Director of Primary Education at NCLT. Throughout every chapter, Trudi has embodied the ultimate professional: full of positivity, energy, and a sparkle that lights up every room; a true Tinkerbell in education. Her influence has shaped countless lives, schools, and communities, and her unwavering commitment to creativity and high standards has left an indelible mark on our Trust. As she retires later this year, we know she leaves behind a massive hole, but also a legacy of inspiration and love. Trudi is adored by everyone who has had the privilege to work with her, and this award is a fitting tribute to a remarkable career dedicated to making a difference. Thank you.
Richard Fletcher CEO - NCLT
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New Collaborative Learning Trust Pontefract Road, Normanton Industrial Estate Normanton, WF6 1RN 01977 802802 info@nclt.ac.uk www.nclt.ac.uk