Celebrating Our People
The First Ever Spark Awards
Earlier this month, Spark Education Trust held its first-ever Spark Awards, an evening to celebrate the dedicated individuals and teams across our schools who make a difference every single day.
Hosted at Laurence Jackson School in Guisborough, the awards marked the end of an extraordinary first year for the Trust. Chief Executive Louise Spellman reflected on the journey:
“This has been an incredible first year, and we have so much to celebrate. A year ago today, leaders and headteachers from 1590 and VALT met in this very room to begin shaping a new vision. That day, Spark Education Trust was created. What’s followed has been a year of progress, purpose and pride.”
Among the night’s winners was Chantelle Ingram, an English teacher at Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form, who received the Secondary School Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. Described as bringing “magic to the classroom”, Chantelle said: “You think it’s a job, but it’s a lifestyle. To win this award, knowing you’ve made a difference, is overwhelming.”
“It has been amazing working at Egglescliffe. Everybody is incredible—the staff and students. It has been a huge team effort with everyone working towards being the best we can for our students.”
This Year’s Winners
Chantelle Ingram, Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form
Secondary School Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Helen Calvey, Saltburn Primary School
Primary School Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Alex Peacock, Huntcliff School
Spark-Ed Innovative Teacher of the Year
Carrie-Anne Brown, Whitehouse Primary School
Early Career Teacher of the Year
William Arch-Davies, Huntcliff School
Early Career Teacher of the Year
Kate Cobbold, Chandlers Ridge Primary School
Inclusion Champion Award
Lyndsay Jones, Huntcliff School
Inclusion Champion Award
Jayne Edon, Whinstone Primary School
Outstanding Support Staff
Julie Shaw, Laurence Jackson School
Outstanding Support Staff
Paula McPartland, Trust Central Finance Team
Outstanding Support Staff
Jayne Hepple, Bewley Primary School
Pastoral Care Award
Mark Cowan, Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form
Community Engagement Award
Martin Gunn, Bader Primary School
Enrichment Champion Awards
Michelle Rowe, Laurence Jackson School
Enrichment Champion Awards
Scott Ferguson, Conyers School and Sixth Form
Learning for Life Award
Lauren Chu, Layfield Primary School
Learning for Life Award
Junction Farm Early Years Foundation Stage Team
Team of the Year Award
Claire Webster, Kirklevington Primary School
Unsung Hero Award
Don Bowen, The Links Primary School
Unsung Hero Award
Denise Harrison, Trust Central HR Team
Unsung Hero Award
James Carter, Conyers School and Sixth Form
Governor of the Year Award
Laura Kirk, Levendale Primary School
Inspirational Leader of the Year
Rhys Tate, Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form
Inspirational Leader of the Year
Matthew Haworth, Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form
Outstanding Contribution to the Trust Awards
Eileen Martin, Vice Chair of Trustees
Outstanding Contribution to the Trust Awards
Helen Owen, Headteacher, Layfield Primary School
Outstanding Contribution to the Trust Awards
A Celebration of Spark Values
The Spark Awards are not only about recognising excellence, but about celebrating the values that unite us: mutual respect, hearty collaboration and courageous ambition.
As Louise Spellman shared on the night, “Spark is not just a name or a logo. It’s a community of individuals who live our values and pursue our mission of learning for life.”
Congratulations to all our winners, nominees and school communities. Your passion and purpose continue to shape the future of education across our region.