Therese Langford from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Malvern won this year’s Headteacher of the Year Award.

Mrs Langford won because of her exceptional leadership, management, teaching skills and commitment to the school since she took over in 2016.

She accepted her award from Ann Jordan, head of Worcester University’s school of education.

After winning, she said: “I am accepting this award on behalf of everyone associated with the school.

“Well done to all the staff and pupils and everyone who has supported us.

“It has been a real team effort.”

The Headteacher of the Year Award, sponsored by the University of Worcester, celebrates hardworking and dedicated heads from schools across the county.

Mrs Langford was described in her original nomination as someone who had shown “exceptional leadership, outstanding commitment to her pupils and has brought transformational ambition to the school.

The school in Newtown Road was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted inspectors in February, having required improvement in its previous two inspections.

Through the work of Mrs Langford and her staff, as well as pupils and parents, the school has been able to turn results around and thrive.

Inspectors said: “St Joseph’s is an inclusive, nurturing school with pupils at the heart of all staff do.

“Leaders inspire trust among staff. Through words and actions, they uphold the school’s values and communicate a strong ambition for it to improve.”

The inspection also said that Mrs Langford, “ably supported by the deputy headteacher, leads the

school in a calm, focused, driven manner, while being kind, challenging and supportive.”

The senior leaders have embedded a culture of ambition and continual focus on improvement, which ensures that pupils’ needs steer the direction of development.