A Head Teacher from the North East won an award live on BBC's The One Show? This was not on our 2023 bingo card but my goodness, we’ll take it.
What an incredible achievement!
Maria Carlton, Executive Head Teacher at Bewley and Kirklevington Primary Schools, part of The 1590 Trust, was the well-deserving recipient of this magnificent award, and we’re truly delighted for her.
Maria goes for gold
Maria was announced as the gold winner of the 'Head Teacher of the Year in a Primary School' in the 2023 Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Recognised for her “unwavering commitment” to her students and the wider school community in Stockton-on-Tees, Maria has been described as the 'beating heart' of her school community.
This is exactly what we want to hear about our Head Teachers in the North East.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Huge congratulations to Maria for this exceptional accomplishment. The North East is bursting with pride and we’re so incredibly lucky to have you in the region’s schools.
“There’s never a doubt in our minds that our region’s education staff are the best of the best, and it’s amazing when this is highlighted on a national scale.”
The award was presented by none other than Ronan Keating
Securing this award was no walk in the park, which makes the achievement that much more sweeter.
There were thousands of nominees up for the award, and yet it was our region’s Maria Carlton that came out on top due to her "inspirational" teaching, contributions to her school and community, and influence among colleagues.
The news was shared with Maria by the iconic Ronan Keating from the One Show. He believed he could fly, and we believed Maria could fly.
Maria Carlton said: "It was a wonderful surprise to receive the Gold Award, however without the children, staff and our school community it would not have been possible.
“I do think it celebrates the fantastic work happening in both Bewley and Kirklevington Primary schools.
“I am very pleased the award has come to the North East as it highlights how great education is in this part of the country."
You and us both, Maria! Congratulations again, and we hope this achievement goes a long way to inspiring other educators in the North East.
This achievement proves that all your hard work really does make a difference and doesn’t go unnoticed.
Bewley and Kirklevington Primary Schools are Schools North East Partner Schools. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme click here.
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