A school in Dagenham has been crowned school of the year at a national education awards ceremony.
Jo Richardson Community School in Gale Street was announced as the School of the Year in the making a difference category at the Pearson Teaching Awards.
The Judges recognised that the school goes above and beyond their expected duties to help transform the life chances of pupils through their education.
Throughout the last 16 years, the school has provided incredible opportunities for its students, including overseas trips to places like Kenya, Malaysia and Borneo to help carry out community projects.
Students help pay for these trips by holding fundraising activities from bag packing in supermarkets to sponsored walks and food sales.
English author, Michael Morpurgo, best known for his children’s novels such as War Horse presented the award to Headteacher Ges Smith at the ceremony on Sunday, October 21.
Mr Smith said: “I am extremely proud to have achieved this award and it is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from students, teachers and parents to support staff and governors. We are one community at Jo Richardson and we don’t leave any student behind”.
Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, cabinet member for educational attainment and school improvement, said: “I am delighted with the news that Jo Richardson has won this award. The staff and students thoroughly deserve this recognition for their hard work.
“Barking and Dagenham schools continue to show that the borough is a great place for young people to be educated and get the best start in life.”
