A HEADTEACHER says he is “delighted” after scooping a top teaching award.

Ramsey Academy head Rob James was crowned secondary school headteacher of the year at the 2019 Essex Teaching Awards.

The annual awards ceremony – now in its sixth year – highlights the outstanding work of teachers and staff.

Mr James attended the awards last Tuesday at Hylands House in Chelmsford.

He said: “I am delighted to have been presented with the Essex secondary headteacher of the year award.

“Even though it is my name on the trophy, it would not have been possible without the collaboration of the senior leadership team, governors, teachers and support staff who have supported me during recent years.

“They have all bought into our vision, culture and ethos, which puts students as the priority in everything we do, aiming for them to be the best they can be.

“I would also like to recognise and thank the other headteachers in Essex.

“We aim to work together for the good of the young people in the area.”

Mr James also congratulated Ramsey’s Georgia Kehoe, who was highly commended in the new teacher of the year award.

Mr James said: “She has made a fantastic start to her teaching career and will be a real asset to the profession.

“Her lessons enthuse the students about modern foreign languages and she is always willing to help and offer support outside of lessons.”

Mrs Kehoe said: “I am honoured to receive recognition for my hard work and am thrilled to have started my career at such a supportive and welcoming school.”

Mr James, said good communication between staff and parents was very important at Ramsey.

He said: “As headteacher, I take a lead role in this approach and regularly meet with parents to discuss a variety of issues.

“To my knowledge, I have never refused to meet with parents if they have requested a meeting with me.

“If I am personally not available due to existing commitments to meet with parents at that time, we have a very experienced senior leadership who are capable of dealing with many aspects of school life and concerns that may be raised by parents.”