Westbourne School teacher shortlisted for UK Headteacher of the Year 2023

Westbourne School is celebrating after being shortlisted in not one, but two categories of the prestigious Tes Schools Awards. 

The only school in Wales to have made the shortlist, Westbourne is named alongside some of the most elite schools in the UK, including Eton and Wellington College. 

The Tes Schools Awards (previously Times Education Supplement) recognise the most outstanding individuals and schools from across the whole of the UK, including the very best independent and state schools, in early years settings, primary and secondary. Now in its 15th year, the awards showcase the schools who are redefining the education sector in this country, “celebrating extraordinary commitment, quality and innovation.”

Headteacher of the Year 2023 

Head of Westbourne Prep & Nursery, Miss Joanne Chinnock is a contender for ‘Headteacher of the Year 2023’, having beaten off competition from the country’s most successful and influential headteachers to make it onto the Tes list. She joins illustrious company on the shortlist, which includes only five other independent heads. 

Miss Joanne Chinnock said: “I feel absolutely honoured to even be nominated for this award, let alone be shortlisted. However, this is an award for the school as a whole. The staff, parents and children make Westbourne what it is. I truly believe in our school's vision and ethos, and feel humbled to lead and be part of such an incredible community.” 

Miss Chinnock is the beating heart of the Penarth-based Prep School, having established an integral role at Westbourne over the past 18 years. An alumna of Bristol University, she previously taught in London and the US, working with children across nursery, primary and secondary school settings. With her own son and daughter currently studying at Westbourne, she is a passionate advocate of empowering young minds to realise their own power to change the world, inspiring the leaders of the future. 

Jo’s talent, vivacity and strategic vision led to her appointment as Head of the Prep School in 2017. Since that time, Westbourne Prep has grown exponentially in outlook and ambition, evolving to become one of the UK’s most innovative, forward-thinking academic schools and nominated, in 2022, for Independent Prep School of the Year (ISOTY Awards). 

Westbourne pupils excel through immersive, hands-on study, including a leading-edge STEM curriculum, energising outdoor learning opportunities, and a dynamic extra-curricular programme specially curated to stimulate their natural curiosity and build their confidence and sense of adventure. 

Best Use of Technology 2023 

Westbourne has also been recognised in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ category – alongside schools including Eton and Wellington College – continuing to grow a reputation in the UK as an edtech leader, empowering students through innovation and technology.

The award shortlisting recognises Westbourne’s exceptional deployment of educational technology over the past year, which has had a direct impact on improving learning outcomes for our students across the year groups. This includes everything from lessons being automatically recorded and shared to Google Classroom, allowing students to review their lessons, to setting up interactive virtual classrooms connecting Westbourne students from our global schools. An advanced camera and display system, with a projected image, brings remote students into the classroom, allowing them to interact with their teachers and friends as if they were in the room. 

Principal of Westbourne School, Dr Gerard Griffiths, applauded his exceptional teaching staff, who support pupils on a one-to-one level and in small class sizes. 

Dr Griffiths said: “We are delighted to be recognised in these prestigious national awards, which acknowledge the pioneering work that is being done across the UK education sector. We would not be shortlisted for these awards were it not for our teachers, who have consistently embraced new and often complex technology to ensure the most outstanding learning outcomes for our students. 

“Congratulations to our Head of Prep, Miss Chinnock, whose nomination for Headteacher of the Year 2023 is a true reflection of the outstanding work she continues to deliver day in, day out, to nurture and inspire our curious young learners.” 

On Wednesday 24th May, Westbourne is holding a Prep & Nursery Open Day for all families interested in finding out more. Please email admissions@westbourneschool.com to register your interest.