A BLACKBURN teacher was crowned Primary School Headteacher of the Year at a lavish awards ceremony.

Gaynor Stubbs, who is in charge of Wensley Fold CofE Primary School, won the NCSL Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School at the North West regional Teaching Awards 2009 today.

And Joan Smith, head of St Peters CofE Primary School, Accrington, was commended for her work, as was teacher Alison Adams who works at West Craven Technology College, Barnoldswick.

Lawrence Forshaw, from Alder Grange Community and Technology College, Rawtenstall, was also awarded a distinction for the DCSF’s Award for Governor of the Year.

The three were shortlisted for the awards in their categories at the ceremony which was held at The Lowry, Salford Quays and hosted by BBC television presenter Wendy Gibson.

Mrs Stubbs was nominated by school governors who described her as “truly inspirational leader with a can-do attitude”.

Mrs Stubbs took over as head of Wensley Fold CofE Primary 11 years ago when the school was in special measures.

After five years it became a beacon school and now has some of the best Key Stage Two results in the area.

She has achieved these improvements through her single-minded vision that the school should be at the heart of the community, and has successfully carried everyone with her.

Mrs Stubbs said: “It is fabulous, it is absolutely fantastic. I wasn’t aware that I had been nominated until I was shortlisted.

“I have amazing syupport from staff, governors and the children.

“I absolutely love my job and there are a lot of headteachers who are doing an equally good job ” The judges said: “There is no doubt that Gaynor’s personal energy level is a catalyst for others.”

Caroline Evans, chief executive of the Teaching Awards, said: “I am delighted to congratulate all our award winners who deserve every bit of praise and applause.

“They are real heroes among their colleagues, pupils and parents and now the wider world knows what a difference they make.

“Hundreds of outstanding people in the North West have been thanked for the excellent job they do, day in, day out.

“I am really looking forward to meeting the class of 2009 at the UK final this autumn.”