Teacher honoured (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Teacher honoured

WOOTTON Bassett School head Chris Montacute has been named West of England Secondary School Headteacher of the Year.

Judges for The Teaching Awards 2005, which were presented in Bristol last week, described him as "a visionary head teacher with the ability to bring out the best in people''.

Mr Montacute, 46, who lives near Nailsworth, has been headteacher at the school for four years.

He previously had the same role at Bradon Forest School in Purton. Tribute was paid to his enthusiasm for Wootton Bassett School, his immense pride in its staff and pupils. and his inspirational, innovative leadership which helped the school to gain Specialist Status in Technology.

The judges said: "The school burgeons with enthusiasm, with a host of extra curricular activities including the Rocket Club that meets every Friday.''

Mr Montacute said: "It says a lot for the school that this is Wootton Bassett's second regional teaching award. Our former deputy head Peter Sheppard received a lifetime achievement award in 2003.''

He paid a warm tribute to his colleagues. "A headteacher is only as good as the team he or she works with, and I am very lucky in having such great colleagues in this school,'' he said.

He said he had no idea staff members had nominated him. "They had to write a series of proposals, and as a result I was told that I had been short-listed for an award'' he said. "Three judges came into school and spent time talking to staff, students, governors and parents.

"I was surprised and delighted to receive the award. There was a big celebration in school next day.''

The award judges described Mr Montacute as a consummate professional. Their assessment noted: "Parents appreciate his complete dedication, while pupils are pleased that he will also take time out for relaxation doing a star turn in a staff dance performance during a recent show.

"There is no doubt that under Chris' extremely effective management the school is assured of continuing success.''