AN 'exceptional leader' of a Worcester school is in the running for a top award at the Worcestershire Education Awards.

Maddie Hill, the headteacher of Riversides School, has been nominated in the Headteacher/Principal of the Year category. 

The headteacher of the Thorneloe Road-based school nomination said: "Some say that a teacher can only be as good as their leadership - and Maddie Hill provides exceptional leadership and goes the extra mile to ensure the well-being of the staff. 

"Working in an Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school is challenging every day - but having a leader like Maddie truly makes every day much easier."

Evesham Journal: 'EXCEPTIONAL LEADER': Maddie Hill Riversides School'EXCEPTIONAL LEADER': Maddie Hill Riversides School (Image: Riversides School)

After hearing the news the 53-year-old said: "Being nominated - well it is a real surprise and very unexpected.

"You don't go into teaching envisioning being nominated for any award. However, I am utterly delighted.

"I have been teaching for 24 years.

"I taught in a local Worcestershire Primary School for 14 years and have been working at Riversides School, a SEMH school, for the past 10 years working with both primary and secondary pupils.

"I became the Head of School in May 2020.

"Riversides School has a strong team spirit and togetherness where all staff are valued.

"All our staff work really hard. I am only as good as the Riversides Team, who are always going above and beyond for the benefits of all of our pupils."

The awards, run by our Worcestershire titles including the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, aim to shine a light on those in education who have worked tirelessly to support, teach and care for our young people.

Evesham Journal: AWARDS: Worcestershire Education Awards 2024AWARDS: Worcestershire Education Awards 2024 (Image: Worcestershire Education Awards)

The awards are in their sixth year and will culminate in a glitzy black-tie dinner when the winners will be revealed.

There is still time to make a nomination in one of the 12 categories - early years education award; primary school of the year; secondary school of the year; independent school of the year; community involvement award; special education needs (Senco); headteacher/principal of the year; teacher/lecturer of the year; new teacher of the year; stem project of the year; support staff of the year and unsung hero award.

The deadline for nominations is February 11.

To make a nomination visit worcesternews.co.uk/awards/worcestershireeducationawards.