Insipirational head wins award (From Echo)

Insipirational head wins award

3:48am Sunday 21st October 2007

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A HEADTEACHER who transformed a failing school into a leading comprehensive has won a national leadership award for his efforts.

Philip Bell, head of Beauchamps High School, Wickford, has been recognised for his outstanding accomplishments with a trophy at the Public Servants of the Year Awards.

The 57-year-old, who joined the school in 1993 as deputy head, pulled out all the stops to bring the school up from the brink of failure.

When he took over as head in 1996 the percentage of pupils leaving with five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C was a poor 27 per cent.

Eleven years on, the school, which is now oversubscribed, boasts an 80 per cent GCSE grades A* to C pass rate, together with an A-level pass rate of 96 per cent.

The awards, which were organised by Public Finance Magazine and backed by the Cabinet Office, were held at the Marriott hotel in Grosvenor Square, London, on Tuesday night.

The awards, in their seventh year, celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes, individuals and teams working in the public services, who are improving communities across the UK.

Mr Bell, who lives in Chelmsford, said: "I am very proud to receive the award on behalf of the staff, students, parents and governors at Beauchamps High School, who give so much to ensure our students' success.

"We hold dear the belief improvement is limitless, and constantly seek ways to enable our students to achieve their potential."

Mike Thatcher, Public Finance editor, added: "We congratulate Phillip Bell on his deserved win, and wish him every success in the future.

"This award is recognition of the vast contribution he has made to the school."

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