We’re proud to announce that James Parkinson, Headteacher at De Lacy Primary School, is a Silver Winner for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Selected from thousands of nominations across the UK, James is now in the running to become a Gold Winner, which will be announced later this year at a ceremony in London.
A Journey of Remarkable Transformation
When James took on the role of Headteacher, De Lacy Primary School faced significant challenges. In 2018, just 16% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, placing the school in the bottom 10% nationally for Key Stage 2 outcomes. Fast forward to today, and those same outcomes now sit proudly in the top 13% of providers nationally.
This transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following their 2024 Ofsted inspection, De Lacy was graded ‘Outstanding’, a true testament to James’s visionary leadership and the unwavering commitment of his staff.
A Community-Led Vision
De Lacy serves a posy industrial community in Pontefract where over 50% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and with higher than average deprivation indicators and referrals to Operation Encompass.
Despite these complex challenges, James has helped create a school environment where children love to learn and staff are proud to teach.
Celebrating National Thank a Teacher Day
This recognition comes as part of National Thank a Teacher Day, a celebration of the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to shaping the future of young people. The Pearson National Teaching Awards honours teachers, leaders, and support staff who go above and beyond every single day.
James is amongst 93 Silver Award winners recognised this year for their profound and lasting impact on education.
Julian Appleyard OBE, CEO of Pontefract Academies Trust, shared his congratulations:
“I am incredibly proud of James Parkinson for receiving a Silver Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School in the National Teaching Awards. This recognition reflects the remarkable transformation he has led at De Lacy Primary School. Under his guidance, the school has become a place where children love to learn and staff feel proud to teach. This national recognition is truly deserved and we are incredibly proud to have him as part of Pontefract Academies Trust.”
