A message from the Chair of Governors

Last week, we were delighted to celebrate two fantastic wins at the Bucks School Awards, with our Early Years and Inclusion/SEN teams quite rightly taking home awards in recognition of the incredible work they do.

As Chair of Governors, I also wanted to take a moment to recognise two members of staff whose achievements deserve celebrating too.

Being shortlisted for a Bucks School Award is an achievement in itself. These awards celebrate the very best in education across the county, so to be named as a finalist is something to be incredibly proud of.

Mr Fell- Headteacher of the Year Finalist

As Chair of Governors, I'm privileged to see first hand just how much Mr Fell does for our school, much of which happens behind the scenes and often goes unseen by the wider community.

Being a headteacher isn't always easy. There are countless decisions to make every day, many of them difficult, and much of that work happens behind the scenes. However, what I see is someone who never loses sight of the children and has worked incredibly hard to build a school where they come first, where staff feel trusted and empowered, and where every child is known, supported and cared for.

His nomination was a wonderful reflection of that leadership:
Dan’s compassionate, values-driven leadership has had a profound impact on his school and the wider community. Leading through unprecedented challenges, he went above and beyond during COVID to support families financially, emotionally and educationally. His commitment continues through initiatives like “Christmas Angels,” bringing the community together to support those in need. Within school, he has fostered a culture of trust, safety and high expectations, championing both staff wellbeing and pupil success. Beyond his own setting, Dan shares his expertise across the county, supporting and strengthening practice in other schools. As reflected in the nomination, Dan has created “a school community built on care, trust and belonging,” capturing the heart of his leadership.

Much of what Mr Fell does happens behind the scenes and isn't always visible, but the impact of his leadership is evident throughout the school. Seeing that recognised at county level was thoroughly deserved.

Ms Zafar- Teacher of the Year Finalist

Ms Zafar's nomination recognised the difference she makes to our youngest learners every single day. Anyone who has visited our Reception classes will know the enthusiasm, care and creativity she brings to her teaching, helping every child feel confident, valued and ready to learn.

Her nomination read:
Naima has made a significant and lasting impact on the school community through her dedication as a Reception teacher, helping many children who start below expectations make remarkable progress and gain confidence by the end of the year. Her engaging, hands-on teaching sparks curiosity and builds resilience, creating a strong foundation for future learning. Her expertise is widely recognised, with visiting schools praising her use of resources, nurturing interactions and inclusive practice. Beyond the classroom, she contributes as a staff governor and played a key role in achieving the ‘Communications Champion’ award. “Naima inspires curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every pupil.”
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We know how much she means to the children and families she works with, so it was wonderful to see that recognised at county level.

Congratulations once again to Mr Fell and Ms Zafar on their finalist nominations, and to our award-winning Early Years Team and Inclusion Team. We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated, talented and caring people as part of our school community. I hope you'll join me in celebrating all of these wonderful achievements and congratulating everyone on being recognised among the very best in Buckinghamshire.