Students and staff are celebrating after winning four awards at the Northamptonshire Education Awards 2021, including Secondary School of the Year
Northampton Academy were standout winners at this year’s Northamptonshire Education Awards, taking home four of the event’s most sought-after awards, including Secondary School of the Year.
The annual event, organised by the founders of the event, All Things Business recognises the exceptional work of schools, departments, and individuals within the education sector across Northamptonshire and all those who work tirelessly to support the region’s young people. Hosted at Northampton County Cricket Ground, the ceremony provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate the efforts and dedication of all those shortlisted.
As part of the event, guest speaker Matthew Burton of the Channel 4 series Educating Yorkshire, spoke about the challenges and successes that school communities have experienced throughout the year, shining a spotlight on the many talented and inspiring individuals in the room.
Awards won by Northampton Academy included:
- Secondary School of the Year;
- Head Teacher of the Year, which was won by the academy’s Principal Chris Clyne;
- Maths Teacher of the Year, which was won by Kyle Dunkley;
- STEM Award, which was won by the academy’s STEM department.
Two members of staff at the academy were also shortlisted for an award this year, with the school’s Safeguarding Officer Debbie Reeve up for The Lifetime Achievement Award, and the English Department nominated for the English Team of the Year Award.
Chris Clyne, Principal of Northampton Academy, said:
“Our school community has shown incredible resilience over the past two years and it’s wonderful to see individuals and teams receiving this kind of recognition for their hard work, determination and perseverance. At Northampton Academy, we aim for excellence in all we do – guided by our strong values as a school and committed to delivering an Education with Character to each and every one of our young people. Thank you to all our students, staff, parents and carers for their tireless efforts and ongoing support.”
Shreeja Ashton, Director of STEM at the school, said on receiving the STEM Team award:
“We are delighted to have won this award and to see our Nucleus STEM programme being recognised at a regional level. Nucleus STEM provides a unique learning opportunity for our young people to gain greater experience in STEM-related subjects and is something that we are always looking to grow and develop.
“Alongside offering this programme, our students have significant opportunities to take part in STEM activities outside of lessons, including through our outreach work with the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, University of Northampton and University of Plymouth. We are immensely proud of all our students and what they have achieved during their participation in the programme so far.”
Kyle Dunkley who won Maths Teacher of the Year said:
“I felt humbled and honoured to be nominated for Maths Teacher of the Year award by one of my colleagues, and I never thought I would win. I feel blessed to be a part of such a supportive department and Academy made great by our amazing students. The students I teach each day, and the progress I get to see them make is so rewarding, and this happens thanks to the whole team. There are so many outstanding teachers at our school.”