A HEADTEACHER described as “outstanding” has been nominated for a Worcestershire Education Award.
Kate Wilcock, from Pitmaston Primary School, has received a nomination for Headteacher of the Year after being praised for organising an event to find a donor to help schoolboy Oscar Saxelby-Lee, who was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
The school in Malvern Road, Worcester, launched an appeal to help Oscar, aged 5, who has T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and was told he had three months to find a transplant donor. The event found a stem cell match after more than 4,800 people flocked to the school to sign up to the stem cell donor register.
Speaking about Oscar, Mrs Wilcock said the event was one of her proudest moments at the school, adding: “Looking back on the registration event it was a difficult position to be in, but I think to do something to help Oscar and his family, it was one of the most proudest moments as a school.
“The community came together, and everyone worked hard to do something good in a difficult situation. Hearing so many people registered - over 4,800 people - it was an overwhelming feeling and a very emotional time. Local organisations, businesses, sports teams and staff brought their friends and family together to help. The fact Oscar has found a match is amazing – it was the best news ever. It was what we were praying for and dreaming of.”
Mrs Wilcock, aged 41, began working at the school in 2012 as deputy head, and later became headteacher in 2015. Ofsted inspectors gave the school an outstanding rating in 2017.
Mrs Wilcock said she loves her role as headteacher, and says it is all about making the school a better place.
She said: “It’s amazing and it is very thoughtful to be nominated. When you absolutely love your job anyway, it is nice to have recognition. I am very lucky to have the most fantastic staff.
“I think my role as headteacher is about making the school a better place and adding value to a busy school environment. Children are the most important thing at school, and it is about making decisions which drive them forward.”
Helena Lacon, who nominated Mrs Wilcock said: “Kate is an outstanding headteacher and has outstanding dedication to the school and its pupils, in particular with the fundraising for the pupil currently in hospital.”
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