A headteacher whose career has spanned nearly four decades has been recognised at a national level, with his long-standing impact on schools and pupils earning him a place on a prestigious shortlist.
Lipson Co-operative Academy, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has announced that headteacher Martin Brook has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026.
The award recognises his contribution to education over almost 40 years, during which he has worked across Nottinghamshire and the South West, helping to improve outcomes for thousands of young people.
Martin joined Lipson in 2019 at a time when the school was facing significant challenges. Initially appointed for a single day, he went on to lead a longer-term programme of change over seven years. The academy is now described as a high-performing school, with both academic success and an inclusive ethos. He left the school in 2026.
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His leadership has focused on building a culture centred on belonging, high expectations and support for both pupils and staff. Students have said they feel safe and valued, while colleagues have highlighted a strong sense of trust across the school community.
Beyond his role at Lipson, Martin has supported wider improvements in education. He has mentored other headteachers, worked as a National Leader of Education accredited by the Department for Education, and contributed to school development across Plymouth and the wider South West.
Martin Brook said: “If I can overcome the slight uneasiness I feel about the nomination, it is clearly a real honour to have been put forward and shortlisted for such a prestigious award, an award that I believe initially carried Ted Wragg’s name.
“Ted was my first mentor during my teacher training in the 1980s and had been an inspiration to me, and I now finish my career working for a Trust that carries his name.
“I have been blessed to do a job that I love for the best part of 40 years and this nomination is for every student, member of staff and parent that I have been lucky enough to serve during that time.”
Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “Martin’s contribution to education over nearly forty years is simply extraordinary.
“He has transformed not only the life chances of thousands of young people, but also the careers of the many leaders he has developed and supported along the way.
“His leadership is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the very best. We are incredibly proud to see him recognised at a national level for the lasting legacy he has created.”
Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced on National Thank a Teacher Day in June. The awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam and celebrate excellence in education.
