Sandbach High School head Ellen Walton has been named a silver award winner of the Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School category in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.
National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards, are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the impact of education, shining a spotlight on the “pivotal roles” teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play every day in inspiring young people.
Mrs Walton was described as an “altruistic headteacher” who was “fuelled by passion” to create the best possible educational opportunities.
Her drive and focus on creating and delivering an ambitious and well-rounded education of “exceptional” quality had led to a “significant improvement” for student outcomes at all levels. Students attended school more regularly, and disadvantaged students progress was in line or better than non-disadvantaged.
This year, Mrs Walton has gained recognition from the Schools, Students and Teachers network for key stage four outcomes, the school being in the top 10% of non-selective schools nationally for student attainment in the 2025 exam series.
The award said she tried to create a sense of belonging within school, which has impacted teaching staff retention “significantly”, with no staff leaving for the last two years apart from retirements.
Reaching financial stability and investing significantly in site development over the past five years – the school buildings were in a poor state when she took over, especially windows and roofs – she has turned a school “in crisis” into a warm and welcoming environment.
Eeshana and Poppy, two Sandbach College students who attended the awards, praised Ms Walton for her leadership.
“At an all-girls school especially, having a woman in a position of leadership is really important. She is a role model for us and inspires students to be ambitious and believe in themselves,” said Poppy.
Eeshana said: “Mrs Walton was so welcoming and friendly that I felt part of the community so early on in high school. She is an inspiration to us all and I am so happy here today to be a part of appreciating our amazing head teacher!”
Mrs Walton herself said: “This has been a huge shock and a deep honour. There are so many people in education doing so much brilliant work to help the young people in their care.
“My fellow headteachers and I are dedicated to the betterment of students. I am so grateful to the staff and students who have nominated me and spoken with such kindness and generosity about me.
“The honest truth is that being headteacher at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College is the greatest honour and gift and so this is very much the cherry on top!”
Head teacher mrs walton
Mrs Walton was among 99 teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and education settings honoured as silver winners in this year’s awards, given out on National Thank a Teacher Day.
She will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious gold award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s “The One Show” later this year.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former children’s laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.”
