A HEADTEACHER from Thirsk has been awarded a prize for his inspirational leadership.

Christopher Lewis, who has been head of Thirsk Secondary School for 16 years, won The Leadership Trust Award for School Leadership in a Secondary School in the regional BT Teaching Awards.

The award is for teachers who demonstrate positive leadership, create a stimulating learning environment and inspire staff.

Mr Lewis won a £3,000 package for the school - a £2,000 cash grant and £1,000-worth of computer equipment. He was also awarded a handsome Plato trophy, equivalent to an Oscar.

Mr Lewis was praised for his dynamism, vision and great drive, but chastised for one flaw - being unable to take praise graciously.

The judges wrote: "The school has high expectations of all of its pupils and it is never disappointed."

In their testimony, the judges praised the fact that Mr Lewis and his staff encouraged pupils to broaden their horizons and ambitions to overcome the possibility of isolation which can occur in a rural community.

Pupils spend time learning in multi-cultural cities nearby and are taken for visits to local universities, while expert educators and mentors are regularly brought in 'from the outside.'

Judges said: "Christopher's staff are optimistic, committed and usually ahead of the game. When a national teaching issue comes up, the chances are that he and his staff have already considered it."

Mr Lewis' unnamed nominator had told the judges: "The positive atmosphere throughout the school is down to his optimism."

The teachers and teaching assistants, who were nominated by fellow teachers, parents, pupils and governors, were presented with their awards at a ceremony at Cutlers Hall, Sheffield, on Friday.

There were 12 winners in all, for categories including Outstanding New Teacher and Teaching Assistant of the Year.

Mr Lewis will join the other winners at the national final to be held in London on October 27.