A LOCAL education leader has won a national Lifetime Achievement award.
Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, has received a Silver Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards and is now in the running for the Gold title, which will be decided later in the year.
Andrea will retire this summer from her role at the multi academy trust, which includes 26 schools including Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common and The Meadows primary in Bitton.
She said: “My greatest memories are of the amazing things pupils can do when they are inspired and encouraged. A key role for schools is to give children opportunities and experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
She was presented with her award by Futura’s chairman Malcolm Broad on National Thank a Teacher Day, an event that celebrates the education community and all those who work in it.
Mr Broad said: “I am delighted that Andrea has been recognised with this national honour. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has dedicated their life to the teaching profession and made a real difference throughout their career, inspiring and enriching education for others. Andrea epitomises everything expected of someone achieving this award and more.”
The awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers and support staffplay in inspiring young people, every single day.
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the trust, said: “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal.”