A PRIMARY school headteacher who won one of teaching’s most prestigious awards has been congratulated by the South Lakes MP.

Tim Farron attended Crosthwaite C of E Primary School to praise headteacher Matthew Jessop’s achievement on being awarded a Pearson National Teaching Silver Award.

Mr Jessop was one of only five headteachers in the UK to win the award in celebration of National Thank a Teacher Day.

However, despite the personal accolade, Mr Jessop was quick to take himself out of the limelight and put the success on the school as a whole.

He said: “This award is a lovely recognition for everything that the school did with the brilliant staff, fantastic children, amazing Governors, PTA and community all working hard to provide our ace children with a huge range of exceptional enrichment opportunities.

“Everyone at the school is delighted with the award. It is further validation that we are doing great stuff.

“We’ve been lucky enough to have won a few awards over the years, so it’s really nice to have the recognition everywhere.”

Crosthwaite C of E Primary School prides itself on its regional, national and international IT links with technology with pupils each year contributing to events for Google, as well as attending the BETT IT conference in London to provide an input.

The headteacher has also helped to implement an innovative and creative curriculum, extensive outdoor education, extra-curricular activities and animal husbandry - where pupils care for alpacas, hens, sheep, ducks and even reptiles in every classroom.

“I think we are the only primary school in the country that is linked to the Princess Trust,” he added. "Children could actually apply for a Diploma if they get the work done in time.

“Staff are constantly enriching the curriculum and developing opportunities for the children. I just sit in the background and try and facilitate it all.”

Mr Jessop has now been shortlisted to win one of just 16 Gold Awards at a televised gala ceremony in London on November 25 with the winners showcased on BBC’s The One Show – a prospect the headteacher is dreading.

He said: “To be selected for a Gold Award is terrifying but it would be lovely for the school.

“I’ve got to buy a suit, go to London and possibly go on stage at a black-tie dinner. It’s so far out of my comfort zone it’s untrue.”

Mr Farron said: “Mr Jessop has an outstanding team of teaching and non-teaching staff, a fantastic governing body and amazing students - but his inspirational leadership is crucial to the school being so successful.

“It is a richly deserved award, a tribute to the whole school and it was an honour to present it to Matt.”