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Reward and recognition at the Heart Awards

With the end of the academic year approaching, we were delighted to welcome hundreds of Lionheart colleagues for an evening of reward and recognition at our annual staff celebration event, which featured the presentation of our employee Heart Awards.

Our popular awards scheme gives colleagues the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of their peers who go above and beyond, all in the name of supporting pupils to thrive at school.

The 2025-26 awards saw a record-breaking 382 nominations submitted for both individuals and teams, with our winners crowned following an independent judging process:

Holistic Development and Enrichment

Winners

Eliza Embley, Mercia Academy – Creative Arts Teacher

For her calm and encouraging manner in ensuring pupils feel valued, motivated and excited to learn, while also leading the Creative Department during change. 

 

Vicky Pantling, Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College - ELSA

For her tailored support and ELSA provision for pupils with additional needs, creating a nurturing environment through a truly pupil-centred approach.

Resilience

Winners

Greenstone Primary School Whole Staff Team

For establishing a brand-new school amidst unexpected challenges, yet creating a nurturing setting where pupils and families feel supported and valued.

 

The Pioneers’ Centre

For their tireless commitment to supporting vulnerable pupils overcome barriers to learning, through tailored support and genuine care, resulting in positive, life-changing outcomes for young people.

Academic Excellence and Innovation

Winners

Hongyu White, Beauchamp College – Mandarin Teacher

For delivering a culturally rich Mandarin curriculum and creating international opportunities that inspire curiosity, enabling pupils to excel on a global stage. 

 

Charlotte Gamble, Broom Leys Primary School – English Lead and Class Teacher 

For her development of high-quality reading projects, adopted across Trust schools, enhancing consistency in teaching and inspiring a love of reading among pupils.

Collaboration and Community

Winners

Rebecca Twombley, Hallam Fields Primary School – EYFS Teacher

For expanding curriculum opportunities, including 3D design and external community exhibitions, while creating an encouraging environment among colleagues.

 

Ruth Heatley, The Newbridge School – Head of Design Technology

For building strong relationships within the early years community and working closely with families to create a nurturing environment that fosters belonging. 

Finalists

Holistic Development and Enrichment:

  • Heena Patel (Brocks Hill Primary School) – Phase Leader and Class Teacher
  • SSC Team (Beauchamp City Sixth Form)
  • Lisa McGuigan (The Cedars Academy) – Pupil Premium Champion
  • Joanne Wardle (Riverside Primary School) – Learning Support Assistant
  • Karl Goddard (The Castle Rock School) – Head of Year and Science Teacher

 

Resilience:

  • Humphrey Perkins School Science Department
  • Newhall Junior School Catering Team
  • Brocks Hill Primary School Year 4 Teachers
  • Ahmed Gheewala (Judgemeadow Community College) – Learning Support Assistant and School Librarian

 

Academic Excellence and Innovation:

  • Navdip Kaur (Martin High School) – Science teacher
  • Gemma Hammond (Highcliffe Primary School) – Phase Leader and Class Teacher
  • Karen Court (Martin High School) – Library Champion

 

Collaboration and Community:

  • George Lloyd-O’Keefe (Beauchamp College) – Music Teacher
  • The Cedars Academy and Martin High IT Hub
  • Donna Stanley (Broom Leys Primary School) – Admin Assistant

Congratulations to all those staff members who were nominated, shortlisted and to our 2026 winners!

We would also like to thank our independent judging panel for taking the time to review the nominations and select this year's winners. The panel comprised Chris Swan (Governance Advisor and former teacher), Dilip Kadodwala (Lionheart Trustee), Roy 

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Lionheart Educational Trust