School head is top of the class

The Leyland headteacher has been awarded an education ‘Oscar’ in recognition of her sterling devotion to duty.

She has been presented with a Pearson Education Awards Silver Lifetime Achievement Award.

Janis took the reins at Moss Side Primary School when it opened on what was then a Central Lancashire New Town Development Corporation estate and has been there since. Although she is officially retiring at the end of term, she’s going back to help out with maths lessons.

She was presented with the accolade at a surprise assembly on Tuesday.

She had previously been subjected to a gruelling inspection by a team from the national award, formerly the National Teaching Awards, and was interviewed by Sir Alan Stear.

Janis said: “I had no idea. I knew I had been nominated as the inspection team came in, but I heard nothing more so thought that was it and didn’t think anything more about it.

“I should have guessed but I didn’t and it was such a lovely surprise.

“All the staff and children were there and school adviser Jonathan Hewitt came out. It was so nice.”

Andrew Wright, who is taking over from Janis, said: “ We knew she had won and wanted to keep it as a surprise so we let her think we were having an assembly.”

As part of the reward Janis has been invited to a celebratory tea at the House of Commons next week and will then go to an ceremony in London with other silverware holders when one gold winner will be announced.

As part of her retirement celebration, the school is holding an open afternoon on July 18 from 2.30pm until 7pm so former pupils, parents and staff can share in a chance to reminisce.