Core Criteria for All Awards

 Please make sure you evidence these three core criteria in your nomination to give your application the best chance of impressing the judges:

• Supporting others – We are looking for members of staff/teams who put the pupils, parents and the school community at the heart of everything they do, an individual or team who consistently put others first and lead by example.

• Having an impact – How has your nomination had a real impact and made a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people and their families in Buckinghamshire?

• Being innovative – We are looking for members of staff and teams who think big and aim high. Nominations should demonstrate innovative thinking and how the nominee(s) has used creative solutions to issues and challenges.

Headteacher of the Year Award

Headteacher of the Year award will be presented to an exceptional leader who consistently goes above and beyond to create an inspiring, inclusive, and supportive school environment. This award recognizes a headteacher who not only excels in their leadership and management duties but also fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and community within their school. Working in partnership with their Governing Board, they are the driving force behind their school’s success, motivating both staff and students to achieve their best and nurturing a positive, collaborative atmosphere. 

• Award Criteria - we are looking for a headteacher who:
  • Establishes and sustains a school culture that is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring that every member of the school community feels valued and supported.  
  • Maintains high standards of ethics and behaviour, through outstanding leadership qualities that inspire and motivate staff and students alike.
  • Provides a positive contribution to the wider education system, working collaboratively and sharing good practice across Buckinghamshire.  
  • Develops evidence-informed strategies for improvement which lead to sustained school improvement.  

• The Headteacher of the Year Award is open to all headteachers who have been in their current role for at least 3 years and hold qualified teacher status (QTS). Nominations are welcome from all schools within Buckinghamshire.

Senior Leadership Team of the Year Award

The Senior Leadership Team set the strategic direction for the school, they create the culture that enables staff to teach, pupils to learn and the whole community to feel safe, valued and enabled to reach great heights.  We are looking for a Senior Leadership Team that can demonstrate its clarity of vision, its impact on the school culture and how their high expectations have positively impacted on the whole school community.  Leadership is more than the School Development Plan; we are also looking for an inspirational team who have created a culture of success, one which puts pupils at the heart of everything they do and where pupils feel safe, happy and thrive.  Staff will recognise their excellent leadership and enjoy working with them. Parents trust them and feel engaged and positive about the school.

The Senior Leadership Team of the Year Award is open to all schools within Buckinghamshire. 

• Award Criteria - we are looking for a Senior Leadership Team who:
  • Have an ambitious vision and plan for school, which is shared with the whole school community
  • Have created a culture of success, but also one which puts pupils at the heart of everything that they do
  • Have fantastic open dialogue with all staff and a commitment to creating a strong, professional and positive team
  • Value all staff and support their wellbeing and mental health