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Barbara King
Teaching Awards 2008 winner - South East of England
Barbara King
The Ockendon Academy
The Royal Air Force Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School
Barbara is driven by the vision: "Be Your Best.” She expects it for herself, and everyone around her. She is on overdrive when it comes to encouraging her pupils, but is also collaborative and inclusive. As a result, her school has a buzz of energy about it, and is at the heart of its community " a real change for a school that, in its darkest days, was at odds with the neighbourhood it was supposed to serve.
Parents are encouraged to come into the school at every opportunity and Barbara makes time for everyone. In fact she knows local families so well that other professionals often ask for her help and advice, and she has been instrumental in bringing pupils and local police together to discuss community developments.
One pupil says "she is not just a thinker " she is a doer” and others say encourages all their interests, including a reptile club and looking after the school's flower and vegetable beds. She has introduced vertical tutor groups, so older pupils can support younger ones, and pupils now achieve outstanding exam success with 80 per cent of them getting five good GCSEs.
She has a great eye for detail and manages the school's finances skilfully " recently there was enough money in the budget to allow a disabled boy to have not one, but several specially-adapted chairs around the school.
Staff admire her energy and vision, and several have taken a pay cut to come and work for her. One says: "she's on the ball with everything; she has passion and is highly motivated.”
Message board
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Student, Year 8
Mrs King, as any other student at the Ockendon Academy, I am proud to be recognised as a pupil here. Although I have not yet been at this school for two years, it's amazing hearing about the transformation; from being a poor school to outstanding in 7 years. It was such a welcoming place to arrive at a few years ago and all the things we have achieved over the last year, becoming an Academy...... Thank you for making this school such an outstanding thing to be part of........
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Student In Year 8
I am very happy with the school ! Thank You for making this a really great place. I have been at your school for a year and I love it. Especially English, art and D.T. Its such a nice school. Thanks Again!
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im a student at your school year 7
Thankyou Mrs King , I have only been at your school for 9 months and i know our school is the best we could every be. Mrs King thankyou for such a nice school.
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student
Mrs king can i just say thanks on behalf of everyone at The Ockendon School for all that you have does for us and that you really deserve this adward , u have help the school go from bottom to the very top and for that is the ture reason i nomernated you for this adward
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From a former Governor
It was wonderful to discover that Barbara King is a finalist in the awards. I have rarely met anyone who gives so much and cares so much for the school she heads. The Ockendon School had its dark years and the speed with which staff, pupils and governors turned things around to go from "failing" to "outstanding" is in no small part due to Barbara King's personality. She would be a very deserving winner.
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One of Mrs King's Former Students
I challenge anyone to find a lady any more deserving of this award. I enrolled at the Ockendon School in September of 2000 (The same time Mrs King took over as Headteacher) She has inspired me, and many of my friends, to believe in ourselves. This lady’s power of one has resulted in a new generation of people that are reaching out for the best they can be. I am now studying Law at the University of Wales. Not only did the school help me achieve great GCSEs, it has taught me revision techniques that I use even during my undergraduate studies. Thank you and congratulations on your well deserved award!
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Outstanding!
Barbara, I have read your story with interest. You are a fantasic example to all who teach and work within education. I used to live in Aveley and knew the problems that the Ockendon School had. Once again well done - I hope the national judges have the vision to choose you as the national winner in October!
