Megan could be named head teacher of the year
THE principal of Heath Lane Academy in Earl Shilton has been shortlisted as Head Teacher of the Year as part of the Leicestershire Live Education Awards 2019.
Megan Morris will take her place at a high-profile awards ceremony at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on 12 December which has been organised to recognise leadership within the county’s schools.
Megan has been teaching in challenging schools within Warwickshire and Leicestershire for over 20 years since she arrived in the UK from her home nation of Australia.
In her first headship position at Heath Lane Academy, Megan has seen the school achieve its first ‘Good’ Ofsted and earn the status of most improved secondary school in Leicestershire, according to the government’s key ‘Progress 8’ measure.
Megan has instilled her passion for helping children to find their voice, develop their opinions and be confident in sharing them.
Under Megan’s leadership, the school has become outward-facing and has developed positive working relationships with local primary feeder schools including Barwell Academy, and St Simon and St Jude.
Subject specialists actively share their skills and knowledge and Megan allows peer schools ready access to facilities and resources. Megan works hard to raise the profile of the school across Leicestershire.
Megan said: “I am delighted to have been shortlisted for this award which recognises the work of the entire school as we continue our journey towards delivering an excellent student experience at Heath Lane Academy.
“I am on a moral mission to educate young people regardless of their circumstances and I strongly believe in sharing new ideas and best practice within the wider community.”
The school supports the Leicestershire Police Premier Kicks project which provides activities for young people in partnership with Leicester City Football Club resulting in the lowest recorded level of anti-social behaviour for the area.
Following its recent inspection, Ofsted praised the school for its progress in improving pupils’ behaviour and the quality of teaching. It has implemented high quality training for its staff and teaching at the school has significantly improved. The report highlighted how the curriculum had been strengthened and that attendance and behaviour in the school had improved.
Marion Plant, Principal and Chief Executive of the Midland Academies Trust, said: “I am proud of the significant progress that the school has made under the leadership of Megan Morris and very pleased that she has been recognised in this way.
“She is a fantastic leader and the whole team has worked hard to improve standards at the school.
“We wish Megan the best of luck for the awards final.”