Teachers and organisers across Waveney are celebrating after winning big at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Raising the Bar awards, which celebrate and recognise excellence across education in Suffolk, took place at Trinity Park, Ipswich on June 26.
Innovation of the Year went to Access Community Trust who, through their youth services based at Sams Café and The Enterprise Lounge, Bevan Street, Lowestoft, work with a range of young people offering constructive activities and interventions delivered by positive role models who offer a range of skills for both work and life.
This innovative and progressive trust works closely with schools, pupil referral units, colleges and other educational providers to offer disadvantaged young people a range of opportunities.
Emma Ratzer, Access Community Trust CEO, said: 'This is an amazing achievement and one that really recognises the hard work and passion they demonstrate every day. We have gone from an idea on a bit of paper to a truly inspiring workplace.'
Iain Owens, headteacher of Bungay Primary School, in Wingfield Street, received the Educational Leader of the Year award.
Mr Owens won the award for his strong leadership and unwavering vision that has seen the school's results consistently improve to above national figures and a 'Good' Ofsted judgement in 2016. He demonstrates genuine commitment and integrity to improvement work combined with hard work, rapid pace and a strong can do attitude.
Lowestoft and Waveney's The Inclusion Steering Group won the Excellence in Collaboration award. The group of 18 school leaders work together to overcome barriers to learning and improving attendance for all pupils, particularly disadvantaged students and those with special needs. The group collaborates powerfully to improve outcomes for children with social, emotional and mental health issues.
Elsewhere Red Oak Primary School was runner up for the Educational Setting of the Year award. The school's Johnny Lee also took runner up in the Excellence in Middle Leadership category. Gary Horton and Lucia Firman of ABP Port of Lowestoft took home runner up for Business partner of the year for its partnership with Ormiston Denes Academy.
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