A York headteacher, previously honoured for his exceptional leadership in the North of England at the Educate North Awards, has now won a national award at the Education Business Awards last week.
Rod Sims, Headteacher at York High School, has received the ‘Education Business Leadership Award – Secondary’ at the Education Business Awards ceremony in London, which recognises excellence in the education sector.
The leadership award recognises inspirational school leaders whose role has led to significant and positive improvements in secondary school education by inspiring and facilitating the wider school team.
During his six-year stint as head of York High School, Rod has overseen dramatic improvements. After an inadequate rating in 2017, strong relationships have been forged between parents, staff and pupils, while an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, encompassing sport, cookery, languages and current affairs, have helped to see the school now rated as Good.
Mr Sims attended a celebration event at the Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s Hotel on 12 June, where attendees enjoyed a champagne drinks reception, followed by a four-course lunch. The winners and commended schools were then announced by BBC broadcast journalist and presenter, Ashley John-Baptiste.
Mr Sims said “It’s a real honour to receive this award, but it has never been just about me as an individual. This award is for the staff, students and parents of York High School. We have never accepted that we should be second best and this award is a vindication of our belief that York High School is as good as any school in the country.”
Mark Hassack, Chief Executive of South Bank Multi Academy Trust (to which York High School belongs) said “Rod thoroughly deserves this award but is, as ever, very clear that the award is for the school and the community and not really for him! However, we all know how hard he works and the passion he has for York High School, so it seems very fitting that he has been recognised not once, but twice this year, for his dedication, commitment and determination to make York High the best it can be.”
17 June 2024
