The Educators’ Trust
February 2024
The Trust Chair, Dr Jennifer Somerville, is pleased to announce the Educators’ Trust Award winners for 2024.
The Trust of the Worshipful Company of Educators announced today the winners of its 2023-4 awards for outstanding educators. The Chair of the Trust, Dr Jennifer Somerville, was delighted with the response to the call for nominations.
“Yet again, we have received a remarkable number of nominations that demonstrate the excellence, creativity and innovation going on in our schools, colleges and universities.”
The Trust’s main award, the Inspirational Educator Award 2024, had the theme of ‘Mental Health in Education’, a subject of major social and educational concern. Our award celebrates outstanding contributions to this sensitive multi-disciplinary area of whole-institution policy and practice. Nominations were received from all sectors of education and from all over the country. The panel of judges said that it was unfortunate that there were only eight awards in this category because every one of the nominees was deserving.
Educators Trust Award Winners 2024
Inspirational Educator Award in Mental Health in Education
(8 awards in alphabetical order)
Jennifer Carney, Teacher, Maudsley and Bethlem Hospital School, South London
Lakshmi Divakarla, Emotional Literacy Support Teaching Assistant, Francis Askew Primary School, Hull
Amber Duxbury, PE Teacher, Mental Health Lead and Guidance Coach, Island Free School, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Adam Gillett, Associate Vice Principal for Personal Development, Penistone
Grammar School, Sheffield, Lecturer Leeds Beckett University
Francesca Henry, Wellbeing and Mental Health Practitioner, Northampton FE College
Simon Kessell, Trauma Informed Lead Teacher, Biscovey Academy, Cornwall
Jacqueline Valin, CEO/Principal, Southfields Multi Academy Trust, South West London
Paula Willis, Senior Mental Health Lead, Springfield Primary School, West Road, Spondon, Derby,
Masters Award for School Leadership
Prince Gennuh, Principal of City of London Academy, Highgate Hill.
Art & Design Award
Chris Follows, University of the Arts London, Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges
Mary Lou Carrington Award for Businesswoman with Significant Commitment to Education
Nicola Williams, Committee Chair, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Chair, Independent Complaints Panel, the Portman Group, Co-Chair, EDI Forum for the Association of Chief Executives, Mediator at the London School of Mediation, Crown Court judge, lay member of Council at the University of Kent.
Keith Hutton Award for Theatre & Performing Arts
Beru Tessema, actor, teacher, director, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London
Robert J Jones Award for Environmental Education
Matthew Rose, Education and Engagement Manager, Holland Park Ecology Centre, London
Other Awards:
The Trust has also awarded bursaries, co-funded with City & Guilds, to Prison Peer Mentors nominated for the CPD Scheme by St Giles Trust.
The Franklin Grants Scheme for Professional Development has made eight grants in its 2024 half-year tranche to applicants across all sectors of education.