Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, recently attended a ceremony to present Andy Hodgkinson, Headteacher at Sweyne Park School, with a Silver Secondary Headteacher of the Year Award.
The award has been bestowed on only four secondary Headteachers across the country, who will all be put forward for the overall National Gold Award, which is to be announced at a ceremony in Guildhall on 26th October 2014.
The Pearson Teaching Awards, (sometimes referred to as the "Teaching Oscars") are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching, founded in 1999, they recognise the life changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people that they educate.
Commenting on the award, Mark Francois said:
"I was delighted to hear that Andy Hodgkinson had been awarded a Silver Award in the Secondary Headteacher of the Year category and privileged to be able to present it to him.
Andy has consistently raised educational standards at Sweyne Park and has successfully lead the school through a transition to acquiring Academy Status and also to gaining approval for a Sixth Form, which is scheduled to open in the new academic year this September.
He has the respect of staff and pupils alike and he is personally committed to enhancing the life chances of young people. I am proud to have Mr Hodgkinson leading a school in my constituency. I wish him the very best of luck for the next stage of the competition."