Mrs Angela Palin
Teaching Awards 2009 Winner
The NCSL Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School
St Mellion VA C of E School, SALTASH
Since taking over as headteacher of St Mellion school seven years ago, Angela Palin guided it out of serious weaknesses to become, in 2007, a school judged to be ‘outstanding’. As a result, the number of children at this small, rural primary is higher than it’s ever been and Angela has been asked to help support two other Cornish primaries - both small and C of E - in an executive headteacher capacity.
Angela has led St Mellion with energy, an openly communicative style with all stakeholders - and always with a smile. Her approachability and sincerity have fostered close relationships between parents, pupils, staff and governors and this is key to the school’s ongoing success. It is also the reason why St Dominic CE in Saltash and Quethiock CE primary in nearby Liskeard have found her help invaluable at different times.
As the head of St Mellion with just 60 pupils Angela has had some teaching responsibilities, which colleagues describe as “high quality”. She has ability to both challenge and support children, fostering confidence and a desire to achieve. As a result, pupils leave the school as free-thinking spirits with a thirst for learning.
These standards are also promoted and expected in all staff so that they are met consistently across the school. Her staff has also been invaluable in stepping up to leadership roles when she has had to devote time (usually half the week) to the other school(s).
Angela treats everyone as a highly valued member of the community. Pupils are encouraged to do their best and to participate in as many activities as possible. Every child is expected to take part in the swimming gala and drama productions.
Parents appreciate the way Angela gets the best out of their children. She encourages them to take an active role in the school and to come to her with any problems, often over a cup of tea. Their views form part of her decision-making. Governors also enjoy an excellent relationship with her, and she encourages them to get involved in all aspects of school life.
Since becoming head, Angela has worked hard to modernise the school environment, adding a multi-purpose room, a separate computerised library and enhanced outside play areas with real boats to pay in. She makes the best use of any specialised skills among her staff and parents are also warmly welcomed to help with reading and after-school clubs.
Angela adapts her leadership style to suite different situations. She can be “strong and decisive” when needed, yet democratic rather than coercive. At St Dominic in Saltash a federation with St Mellion has been agreed by governors and from January 2010 Angela will be a permanent executive headteacher at both schools.
At Quethiock CE primary she has “done great things”, introducing pupil mentoring and improvements in teaching, and has been involved in the selection of a new headteacher.
A colleague said: “It is not clear to any of us how she manages to combine such professionalism, dedication and commitment with so many hours’ hard work.”
Judges said Angela “had a clear vision with high expectations”.
