An awards ceremony celebrated the success of education professionals who successfully completed national qualifications.
Cumbria Education Trust marked the success of participants studying National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) at the inaugural celebration event.
NPQs are nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Department for Education which support the professional development of teachers and school leaders.
The event, at the Castle Inn at Bassenthwaite, highlighted the impact the qualifications have made in the professional development of education staff and the link to school improvement and positive outcomes for young people. The event also marked the contributions made by visiting fellows, who facilitate the programmes.
The trust is Cumbria’s largest multi-academy trust with schools from Carlisle to Tebay and Whitehaven and Workington to Brampton.
In partnership with education charity Ambition Institute, it can claim a 100% NPQ pass rate to date. It has delivered a suite of seven specialist and leadership NPQs to educational professionals from schools across Cumbria and the North West.
Trust chief executive Lorrayne Hughes paid tribute to the hard work of all involved and Marie Hamer, executive director of strategy and impact with Ambition Institute, acknowledged the impact that NPQs have, especially on young people, and commended the participants on their achievements.
Participants and visiting fellows shared insights on the development of the course and discussed their personal learning experiences. The event culminated in a formal presentation ceremony.
Laura Dandy, a teacher at Workington Academy who completed her NPQ in leading teacher development, said: “I had such an enjoyable evening and it was a very nice way to celebrate and to more formally say thank you to Rose, my visiting fellow. It was great to get dressed up and mingle with the other people attending, sharing stories and planning our future careers.”
Ellen Mothersdale, visiting fellow and facilitator of the NPQ in senior leadership, added: “It was a great pleasure to take part in the celebration of my colleagues’ success with their NPQs. I feel privileged to support the development of the skills of future great leaders of education.”
Nic Tweddle, the trust’s leadership development lead, added: “We are incredibly proud of our NPQ graduates and this event was simply about congratulating them on their fantastic professional achievement.
“It was an extremely positive evening and it is clear to see from all of our NPQ participants, along with their headteachers, the positive impact that NPQs are having. It showcased their ability to further support and drive school improvement and, in turn, the outcomes and life chances of our young people.”
