A Vice Principal and two teachers at a Tees Valley Academy have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to their school's success.

 

The Emmanuel Schools Foundation, whose founder Sir Peter Vardy sponsors The King's Academy in Coulby Newham, has held its first ever awards presentation for staff.

 

The awards were presented at ESF's inaugural staff conference which brought together 800 people from its four schools and central services team at The Sage Gateshead regional music venue.

 

Sir Peter gave a special prize recognising Lifetime Achievement to Gary Wiecek, a Vice Principal at The King's.

 

Mr Wiecek is the longest serving teacher within ESF, having been part of the management team of Emmanuel College when in opened in Gateshead in 1990.

He remained at Emmanuel for 13 years before moving to The King's as a Vice Principal when it opened in 2003.

 

Sir Peter said: "He is the kind of teacher whom students both like and respect; who notices children's strengths and weaknesses; a man with a great pastoral heart whom we have admired for a long time."

 

Among the other award winners were The King's' head of food technology Chris Lord and PE teacher and head of Year 10 Paul Johnson.

 

Mrs Lord won the coveted title of Leader of the Year.

 

Chairman of ESF, David Vardy, said: "Chris is renowned for her excellent leadership and management of the Food Technology department, which enjoys a growing reputation and excellent examination results by students from the widest spectrum of ability and aptitude.

 

"She is a superb role model who leads by example and expects nothing less from those around her, staff and students alike."

 

Mr Johnson was recognised as ESF's Personality of the Year for his "positive spirit, caring and compassionate attitude and the time and attention he devotes selflessly to others."

 

Chris Drew, Principal of The King's Academy, said: "The inaugural ESF staff conference was an inspirational day that brought all our colleagues together in one place for the first time.

 

"We are very fortunate to have some outstanding members of staff at The King's and I add my tribute to the richly deserved accolades presented to Ms Lord and Mr Johnson.

 

"As for Mr Wiecek, The King's would not be The King's without him. He is integral to the character and operation of our Academy and it was great to see his contribution recognised before so many people. It is little wonder that colleagues honoured him with a standing ovation."