A HILLINGDON head teacher is named as one of the nation’s most inspirational educators.

Selected from thousands of nominations, Andrew Sanders won a gold award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards on Saturday for Special Needs Education.

He is head of Moorcroft in Bramble Close, a school for students aged 11- 19 with severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders.

He is described by colleagues as more than a head teacher, but also an educator, a facilitator, a community leader and the ‘steady rock’ of the school. 

They say he makes a lasting difference to the lives of all the students and their families.

He also develops the staff team and is known as a very special head who has created a very special school.

The Pearson Awards are an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam.

Mr Sanders said: “This award is so important to me because I have a real passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to reach their potential. This is wonderful recognition of the work we do.

“I love seeing the teachers I work with grow and develop. That’s why it’s so wonderful to see so many getting the recognition they deserve as part of these fantastic awards.”