1 week Ago
Greyfriars Catholic School's headteacher, Lyndsey Caldwell, was named a Bronze Winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards for Headteacher of the Year 2025. The award recognises school leaders who have made a significant difference to the lives of students, staff, and the wider community. Ms Caldwell was commended for her leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and dedication to creating a caring, ambitious school culture.
She said: "What a surprise this award was. I’m so honoured to have been nominated and to then receive this award, but it really belongs to the whole Greyfriars community. "I’m lucky every day to work alongside such dedicated staff and to be inspired by our wonderful students.
"I always say there’s no better place to work than in a school and no better job than teaching, and Greyfriars proves that to me every single day. I couldn't be prouder of our school." When Ms Caldwell became headteacher, Greyfriars was facing many challenges, including low outcomes, financial difficulties, and a history of instability.
The school had been rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted and placed into special measures. However, since her appointment, Ms Caldwell has led a turnaround, and within just a few years of her arrival, Greyfriars achieved a 'good' rating in all areas from Ofsted. The school has also seen a rise in student applications and improved academic outcomes.
The sixth form has grown significantly, and the number of first-choice applicants to Year 7 has increased tenfold. The school said "central to this transformation is a culture where every student is known, supported, and empowered to succeed". A key part of Ms Caldwell’s leadership is her visible, hands-on approach.
She is known for greeting students every morning and personally saying goodbye to them each afternoon at the school gates. She is deeply involved in the pastoral life of the school and aims to ensure students are supported not only academically, but emotionally too. Part of the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Company, Greyfriars serves Cowley.
Its mission is rooted in Catholic values, with a strong emphasis on enabling every young person to flourish as learners and as people. The Pearson National Teaching Awards are often described as the 'Oscars' of the teaching profession. Winners are celebrated for their contribution to education and the impact they have made in transforming lives through learning.
The school said: "The entire Greyfriars community is immensely proud of Ms Caldwell’s achievement and looks forward to celebrating this momentous award in the months ahead.".
