A local headteacher from E-ACT Braintcroft Academy has gained national recognition by being named as a finalist in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. Headteacher, Andrea Rosewell, is one of just a handful across the country shortlisted for the Headteacher of the Year category.

One of Ms Rosewell’s significant contributions is her ability to inspire her staff and children to pursue excellence in every aspect of their education. This has led to outstanding academic outcomes, placing Braintcroft among the highest-performing schools in the country. Her emphasis on recognising each child as an individual has fostered a culture of personalised learning, where every child’s unique needs and potential are nurtured.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational headteacher, like Ms Rosewell, can have on the lives of the young people they work with. Finalists will find out if they have received a Bronze or Silver certificate on National Thank a Teacher Day on June 19th and Gold winners will be announced in November and will be invited to appear on the BBC’s The One Show.

The Minister for schools, Rt. Hon. Damian Hinds MP, recently congratulated Ms Rosewell on the very high level of progress made by pupils in their 2023 KS2 Reading Writing and Maths assessments as Braintcroft are amongst the top 5 percent of primary schools for progress in the country.
Success under Ms Rosewell’s guidance has also been measured through the transformation seen in the lives of the children and their families. Afghan and Syrian refugees, along with others from disadvantaged backgrounds, find in Braintcroft not just an educational institution, but a sanctuary of hope and a launch pad for their aspirations. Ms Rosewell’s initiatives, such as support groups for women affected by domestic violence and celebrating diversity, have fostered a strong, inclusive community spirit that underpins the school’s ethos.

Moreover, Ms Rosewell’s unrelenting aspiration for her children is reflected in the significantly high attendance rates, currently 96.20% and 1.7% above national. This is a direct outcome of her leadership style that combines high expectations with unwavering support and belief in every child’s potential. This holistic approach to education and community support, balancing academic rigour with compassionate leadership, embodies the success of her tenure at Braintcroft E-ACT Academy.

Andrea Rosewell, headteacher at E-ACT Braintcroft Academy said:

“It is so lovely to have been shortlisted for a Pearson National Teaching Award but the real prize when it comes to being a headteacher is seeing the positive impact you can have on the education and life chances of children.

“I am honoured to be the headteacher of Braintcroft and I want to say a big thank you to all the staff and students that make leading the school such a pleasure.”