Award winner Frank proves that he is a man of principal
ATEACHER who delayed cancer treatment for two years to dramatically improve a Stockport school has been honoured for his achievements.
Frank McCarron, principal at Stockport Academy, in Cheadle Heath, was named Head Teacher of the Year at the Manchester Schools Awards.
In receiving his award Mr McCarron, who put off treatment for prostate cancer, said the award marked the end of a year of ‘hard work and fantastic achievement’ for staff and pupils.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to win this award.
“It’s been a roller-coaster journey for me and everyone at the school so today was quite emotional.”
Mr McCarron joined Stockport Academy, on Heathbank Road, in 2012 from St Monica’s RC High School in Prestwich.
In this time the school has gone from an Ofsted rating of ‘requires improvement’ to one of ‘good’.
Ofsted described him as ‘passionately committed’ and praised student behaviour as well as the ‘drive’ of staff in its report.
Earlier this year he was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of his serv- ices to education.
The awards saw nine accolades handed out in a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester.
This year’s event, sponsored by The Manchester College and One Education, was hosted by Key 103’s Mike Toolan.
Lisa O’Loughlin, principal of The Manchester College, said: “School years are a formative part of everyone’s lives and they lay the foundations for future success.
“It’s important to recognise the unsung heroes who help young people to reach their potential, and to celebrate the achievements of hard-working pupils.”
Among the other winners was Manchester Enter- prise Academy, in Wythenshawe, which was named Secondary School of the Year.
And primary school of the year was Northenden Community School.
Eamonn O’Neal, M.E.N. and Trinity Mirror group managing editor, said: “It is such a privilege to celebrate the achievements and success of those who work and study in our schools.
“On behalf of the Manchester Evening News, our executive sponsor, The Manchester College and the category sponsors, One Education I should like to congratulate all concerned.”
A full list of winners is on our website