North East’s Chris Rue crowned UK’s Most Outstanding Special Education Advisor
We’re delighted to share that another North East school leader is making triumphant waves on the national stage, once again proving that our region’s schools are every bit as outstanding as those across the country.
Chris Rue, Head Teacher at Epinay School in South Shields, has been named Most Outstanding Special Education Advisor at the Enablement Awards 2025. It doesn’t get much better than that.
We are stronger together
Chris’s impressive accolade, announced during a ceremony in London on Friday 17 October, recognises the exceptional work he carries out both at Epinay and within the wider community.
In a heartfelt post on the school’s social media, Chris — who has been Head Teacher at Epinay since 2017 — shared the exciting news with staff, pupils, and families:
“I had a little trip to London today and I’m so happy to share with you that I picked up the Most Outstanding Special Education Advisor in the UK 2025!
Great news for the North East and South Tyneside! Team Epinay — we are stronger together!”
This award is the latest in a growing list of well-deserved recognitions for Chris. In 2023, he received the Outstanding Contribution Award for Outstanding Head Teacher at the Educate North Awards.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Huge congratulations to Chris on this incredible achievement. It’s always a pleasure to see our region’s leaders recognised for their hard work and dedication to North East schools, even on a small scale — so large-scale wins like this are even more of a cause for celebration.”
International attention on SEND excellence
Throughout his time at Epinay, Chris has overseen the school’s relocation from Jarrow to its current site in South Shields, while also taking on advisory roles in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with several local authorities.
Recently, Chris met with Emma Lewell-Buck, Member of Parliament for South Shields, to discuss the challenges communities face around SEND provision. And earlier this year, Epinay School welcomed a delegation from Hong Kong, keen to learn how the school delivers effective career guidance for young people with SEND — a testament to the North East’s growing influence not only nationally, but globally.
The entire Schools North East team sends its warmest congratulations to Chris Rue on this monumental achievement. We can’t wait to see what’s next for him and the Epinay community.
Epinay is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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