Dear Parents and Friends of Castle Hill,
On behalf of the governing body, we would like to thank all the staff for their continued excellence throughout a very challenging year, which included a visit from Ofsted!
Mr Martin, quite rightly, applauds and celebrates the work carried out by our staff; and at every opportunity he can, his ethos strongly recognizes the importance of the team.
We, as governors, understand the commitment it takes from everyone to make Castle Hill Primary the well regarded and popular school it is, however, we also recognise that this is only possible through outstanding leadership and Mr Martin has provided this for more than 30 years.
The governing body had considered ways to recognise this on several occasions over the last few years but hadn’t acted upon it. At the recent Ofsted inspection, the governing body spent 45 minutes with the lead HMI and during this, he asked if we had considered recognising Mr Martin’s achievements.
As a direct result, we decided we would nominate Mr Martin for an award. We considered several categories at this years’ Hampshire Educational Awards and decided that the most appropriate would be the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Education’ award. This is the Blue Riband of awards, a reflection of a lifetime of achievement rather than a recognition of leadership in the previous year.
Mr Martin was selected as one of the finalists and earlier in July, at the awards ceremony held at Winchester Great Hall, was announced as the WINNER, the judge citing his inspirational leadership consistently delivered over many years as the main reason for her choice.
The whole governing body are absolutely delighted with this and, on behalf of everyone associated with Castle Hill Primary School, thank and congratulate Mr Martin.
I wish staff, parents and children all an enjoyable and relaxing summer holiday!
Yours sincerely
Graeme Train (Chair of Governors) and the Castle Hill Primary School Governing Body