An overwhelming wave of recognition has swept through Lift Schools, with thousands of nominations pouring in for our recent Modelling Maxims campaign.
The incredible response demonstrates the profound dedication and impact of our staff across our 57 schools.
From a vast pool of nominees, 35 colleagues were proudly shortlisted for an award, each embodying one or more of our core Modelling Maxims. They are:
Last night, Wednesday, July 2nd, the campaign concluded with a heartwarming awards dinner in Birmingham, celebrating the 35 shortlisted individuals.
The initiative specifically sought to recognise those who consistently demonstrate our values and actively support our mission to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day.
This year, we focused on the Community and Family Maxim, celebrating individuals who truly went above and beyond to put people first.
The nearly 3,000 nominations we received tell powerful stories of our staff's dedication, innovation, and significant impact on students and school communities across the country.
Each story highlights the vital role played by teachers, leaders and support staff whose efforts have demonstrably improved the lives of young people, setting a powerful example for us all.
Alison Edwards, Library Manager and Reading Lead at Firth Park:
Alison always has a warm and welcoming smile for all students no matter what day or time. The LRC is a safe space for many students at Firth Park, particularly for vulnerable learners. Alison has promoted equality and diversity through the books she displays in the library, and changes these regularly to give students exposure to a wide range of texts from different voices. Alison also runs a jewellery club after school to offer an opportunity for students to be creative and try a new skill.
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Sabrina Rapp, KS4 Geography Coordinator and PSHE Coordinator at Kingswood:
Sabrina has created an outstanding personal development offer for pupils. She takes an evidence-led approach to planning, ensuring her work is culturally and contextually responsive to Kingswood's pupils and is based on the most recent research. Her work has been recognised in the school's recent Ofsted report, which highlighted the strength of pupils' moral and character development.
School Operations Manager at Pioneer Cathy Duff:
Cathy is the relentless backbone of the school's operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly with her tireless work ethic, efficiency, and determination in tackling any challenge. Beyond her exceptional organisational skills, she is a vital pillar of support for the leadership team, proactively anticipating needs and keeping the school running seamlessly. Managing the office with precision and professionalism, Cathy creates a supportive environment for staff, students, and parents, steering the school with unwavering dedication and making an invaluable impact every day.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that every single person who received a nomination from a colleague - and indeed, even those who may not have been nominated - has made valuable contributions to our schools.
On receiving her award, one of the shortlisted nominees Hannah Williams, a teaching partner at Offa's Mead, said: "Everyone works really hard in schools but it's nice to be noticed for the little extra things I do here and there. I just wish that everyone in my school could have had one."
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Charlotte Peacock, a teacher at Hazelwood, added: "I think it's so important to feel recognised. Every member of staff in a primary or secondary school deserves to be recognised for what they do, whether that's teachers, teaching assistants or office staff."
Lift Schools CEO Becks Boomer-Clark said: “Huge congratulations to everyone who won a Modelling Maxims award, and to everyone who was nominated. Every single member of our team, right across all 57 schools, plays an invaluable role in creating and supporting an environment of educational excellence; one in which we have a shared and collective commitment to every child’s success.”
The deserving winners include:
