THE modest headteacher of one of Derwentside's biggest schools said he was "slightly embarrassed" at being given one of his profession's top awards.

But staff and pupils at Stanley School of Technology were in no doubt their headteacher David Grigg thoroughly deserved his award for outstanding leadership at the Teaching Awards 2000, held in Newcastle.

The number of pupils achieving grades A to C, has risen from 18 to 36 per cent, it has gained School of Technology status, and increased the number of pupils applying to attend - all since Mr Grigg took over less than four years ago.

But the 47-year-old stressed that any achievements were not down to him but his team and to the students.

He said: "It's slightly embarrassing for me, but I would say that this award isn't really for me but for the school. The staff and students at the school have achieved an awful lot in a short time and we must keep that up."

Mr Grigg was praised for his "crucial leadership" in the last Ofsted inspection report, in October last year.

It said: "The headteacher's leadership combines both leading by example and inspiring others to develop their own leadership qualities. While his clear-sightedness, efficiency and strong personal qualities have their own direct impact, his ability to promote self-belief among colleagues has enabled them to acquire their own confidence.

"They have a momentum in leadership which is not dependent on the headteacher's role."

That was echoed by Mr Grigg's deputy headteacher, Barry Morrell, who said: "The school has been transformed since we had a weak Ofsted report in 1996 with largely the same staff. That's clearly got a lot to do with David."

As a winner of a regional Teacher 2000 Leadership Trust Award for School Leadership in a secondary school, Mr Grigg will be considered for the national awards in October, when he could land £20,000 for the school.