A HEADTEACHER who has “transformed” a Flintshire school during her two years there has scooped the best professional leader at the Leader Education Awards.

Lorraine Dalton from Ysgol Bryn Gwalia in Mold has claimed the prize at the awards evening at The Village Hotel, St David’s in Ewloe on Thursday (March 14).

The award looked to recognise an individual providing outstanding leadership, who inspires, engages and raises the aspirations of their students and staff. Someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the life of their school, college, training setting or university.

In the anonymous nomination, Lorraine was described as a “beacon of light” and received high praise for her relationships with staff, pupils and parents at the school in Mold.

Since taking over as headteacher two years ago, Lorraine has helped Ysgol Bryn Gwalia develop links with the local community, including Mold hospital, with students visiting weekly to cheer up residents.

She has been labelled as an “exceptional leader” who goes “the extra mile” for her staff and speaking after winning the award, Lorraine said: “I’m really overwhelmed.

“I’m so shocked to have won this, the two headteachers who were up for this award are amazing and people I look up to.

“I’m just amazingly proud, we’ve got a brilliant team and it’s all about giving people opportunities. Life is not just about the classroom, it’s about everything else.

“I go with my heart in a lot of things and try and show compassion and love and it’s nice to be rewarded for that tonight as people don’t always agree with me, but tonight it shows that it does work and that means a lot.”

The other nomination for this award included Lynne Williams, headteacher at Ysgol Bryn Coch School, Mold and Alison Wyn-Hughes, headteacher at Queensferry School in Chester.

Don't miss special souvenir supplement in this Thursday's Leader March 28.