ST MELLION C of E Primary School in Cornwall had shrunk to 37 pupils and been judged as having “serious weaknesses” when Angela Palin became head teacher seven years ago. Now it has 60 pupils and is rated “outstanding”, a cause for celebration — even before Mrs Palin was judged Primary Headteacher of the Year.
She is credited with transforming the school: modernising the buildings and enriching the curriculum for the two classes, each of which covers an entire Key stage.
Colleagues describe her as “ultra-professional but humble” and praise her commitment and hard work; parents say she develops “rounded children who are respectful but still have spirit and excitement”. Pupils told the judges that “everyone cares for each other”, and that Mrs Palin “never does anything without telling you first”.
She has been called an energetic powerhouse and likened to a swan: calm and serene on the surface but with legs paddling away beneath. Her response is: “You’re only as good as the people around you, and I’ve got very good people around me — support staff, teachers, governors, parents.
“And the children are lovely. If I spent half my time sorting out arguments and scraps, I wouldn’t get anything else done, would I?” St Mellion is now in federation with a neighbouring C of E school, St Dominic, and Mrs Palin is executive head of both. The Rector, the Revd Philip Lamb, has been a great support, she says, and the award was “a boost for the whole school.”
Nominations close on 1 March for the 2010 Teaching Awards for “teachers and staff who go the extra mile for pupils and change young lives.”
Full details on www.teachingawards.com.