Sherborne headteacher wins national award recognising his excellent efforts in and outside of the classroom

THE headteacher of Sherborne Primary School has been recognised as an ‘Unsung Hero’ in the National Teaching Awards.

Ian Bartle, who was nominated by his deputy head and office team, was presented with a certificate of excellence by chair of governors Kate Scorer in his weekly assembly.

He was also given a handwritten note from acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo which said: “For a child to have a great teacher like you is so important. You open doors, shine a light. You spend your working life passing on to children all that you know and love. Your devotion to them, to colleagues, to the school you work in, has been extraordinary.”

Deputy head teacher Felicity Griffiths said: “We nominated Ian for this award as we wanted everyone to know what a truly remarkable headteacher he is.

“The children and staff at school know they can always talk to him. He organises Christmas hampers for families that need support, he ensures that our pupils know the importance of community and giving back, and enjoys teaching the concept of random acts of kindness.

“Most importantly he always puts the children first, he is positive and kind in everything he does, and is a real role model for us all”.

Ian said: “‘I am truly humbled and thankful for this award as it is the hard-working and dedicated people around me that daily try and change the lives of our children, their families and our wider community.

“Without the co-operation, support and sheer determination of the people I work with – both in my school and our Trust – none of the things we have achieved could have happened.

“I also wish to thank my family who are so tolerant of the work I do and the hours it takes!

“So many of my colleagues do exactly the same things every day, and I wish to ‘shout out’ to them as well.”