A FOUNDER of a unique school was 'surprised' to win Head Teacher of the Year Award at the Worcester News Education Awards.

Lynne Duffy, who runs Gloverspiece Minifarm, is described as enthusiastic and motivated. Ms Duffy is headteacher, charity founder and chief executive officer at the accredited care farm in Salwarpe, Droitwich. She was nominated for the headteacher award by a fellow staff member who wrote: "She wants to provide high quality education in a therapeutic setting so that pupils achieve their and academic best despite often having a poor introduction to education."

Ms Duffy said: "I am surprised and privileged to win but it's a team effort. I have got a fantastic team around me who help drive the school."

Vivienne Cranton was a finalist for the award.

Mrs Cranton has been praised for her tireless work to rebuild Gorse Hill Community Primary, now Hollymount School, in Worcester. Mrs Cranton is the principal of the black pear trust and is also a national leader of education. In 2014 she led Hollymount into academisation.

Mrs Cranton said: "It was lovely to be nominated and to be appreciated.The ceremony was wonderful and there were so many people doing amazing things, it was lovely to see people appreciated for all the great work being done in education.

Jacqui LeMaitre was 'privileged' to be a finalist for the award.

Ms LeMaitre said: "It was an honour and a privilege to be nominated for the award."

National leader of education, Ms LeMaitre of St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Broadway, is described as an "exceptional" executive headteacher with an unrivalled drive and determination. She is also trained as an Ofsted inspector and the school was rated outstanding in their inspection. St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Arden Road, Henley in Arden was earmarked for closure before Ms LeMaitre stepped in and now the school is outstanding.