HANLEY Castle was delighted to have won the Special Education Needs (SENCO) Award for the second year running.

Julia Husband, English and drama teacher at the school, won the award for the second time last year.

Lindsey Cooke, headteacher said: “We were delighted the quality of work was recognised from our students with special needs. Winning two years in a row speaks of the ambition and hard work that is shown at the school.

“Julia is a key player at Hanley Castle, both as a teacher of English and Drama as well as our SENCO. She has transformed special needs provision at Hanley Castle and is hugely respected by students, parents and external agencies.

“We are a mainstream school, however we support all students no matter what background they come from. The students all aim to go to Cambridge or Oxford and just because a student has special needs does not mean they cannot achieve this. There are no barriers, we seek to provide the best quality education for all students.

“I would recommend that as many schools and individuals as possible enter this year’s award. Schools across Worcestershire are successful because of the immense contributions by staff, both teaching and non-teaching. It is vital that these talented and dedicated professionals receive the recognition they deserve.”