Mansfield school recognised at House of Lords

A Mansfield headteacher’s efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable pupils and those with special educational needs have been recognised at a House of Lords reception.

Carl Atkin, of Brunts Academy, received the award in recognition of his work as an ambassador for charity Achievement For All 3As.

Carl was one of 18 headteachers from England at the event with the job of running the charity’s programme to help special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils in their schools.

Said Carl: “Janice Addison, executive principal at Brunts, and myself are exceptionally proud of how hard our staff and students have worked to secure our best outcomes and ensure that all of our students leave with qualifications to move onto the next stage.

“To be able to represent the hard work of staff and students was a tremendous honour.

“The award represents this school sharing the best practice we have with others nationally and helping out other schools.”

The role of the ambassadors is to share their knowledge and help others schools raise the attainment of their own SEND and vulnerable pupils and increase awareness of the issues affecting the country’s most vulnerable school children.

Achievement for All 3As is currently working with over 2,000 schools around the country.

The Achievement for All schools’ programme improves the attainment of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in reading and writing and maths.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson, who also attended, said at the event: “Too many children who need SEND support do not do as well as they should at school.

“We know that school leaders play a key role in delivering better outcomes for these young people and their families.”