Twickenham School Head wins prestigious national award

Assal Ruse, who has led Twickenham School since 2016, has been nominated for a Pearson’s Teaching Award for an outstanding commitment to changing the lives of children.

Selected from thousands of nominations, Ms Ruse, a former Deputy Headteacher at Waldegrave School, has been shortlisted in the ‘Headteacher of the Year’ category.

Her shortlisting means she has already won the bronze award.

A judging panel, held in May, will speak to teachers, families and the local community to decide if she will go forward for the silver award.

If successful she will face an anxious wait to see if she has been chosen for the prestigious gold award later in the Summer.

Headteacher Assal Ruse with Twickenham School students

Since taking over the school, Ms Ruse taken a dedicated approach to raising standards inside and outside the classroom.

She has steered the school to an improved Ofsted rating and GCSE exam results have significantly improved.

Deputy headteacher Sarah Bromly said: “I think I speak for everyone at Twickenham School when I say this award could not be more deserved.

“Assal has worked tirelessly with dedication to improve this school and the lives of its students. Her enthusiasm is infectious to everyone who works with her.

“Her huge passion has helped to win the backing and support of the local community and our families which has been a huge part of the transformation the school has undergone.

She added: “Twickenham School now stands tall and proud and this is down to Assal`s leadership.”

Ms Ruse said: “I am very proud to receive this award which is recognition of the hard work of all of the staff, families and most of all our students.

“We are committed to creating a warm and welcoming learning environment which is not only caring and supportive but also highly academic.

“I am honoured to work at Twickenham School each and every day alongside passionate staff, governors and parents who share the belief that every child deserves a world.