A HEADTEACHER, described as the “beating heart” of a hugely successful Penarth school, is up for a national award.

Head of Westbourne Prep and Nursery Joanne Chinnock is a contender for ‘Headteacher of the Year 2023’, having beaten off competition from the country’s most successful and influential headteachers to make it onto the Tes - previously known as the Times Education Supplement - list.

The Tes Schools Awards celebrates the best in education in the country.

Miss Chinnock was described as the "beating heart" of the Penarth-based prep school, having established an integral role at Westbourne over the past 18 years.

A graduate of Bristol University, she previously taught in London and the US, working with children across nursery, primary and secondary school settings.

Miss Chinnock, whose son and daughter currently study at Westbourne, said she was honoured to be up for the award.

“I feel absolutely honoured to even be nominated for this award, let alone be shortlisted, however, this is an award for the school as a whole” said Mis Chinnock.

“The staff, parents and children make Westbourne what it is. I truly believe in our school's vision and ethos, and feel humbled to lead and be part of such an incredible community.”

Penarth Times:

Miss Chinnock was described by the school as inspiring the leaders of the future

Miss Chinnock was described as a passionate advocate of empowering young minds to realise their own power to change the world, inspiring the leaders of the future.

“Jo’s talent, vivacity and strategic vision led to her appointment as Head of the Prep School in 2017,” said a school spokesperson.

“Since that time, Westbourne Prep has grown exponentially in outlook and ambition, evolving to become one of the UK’s most innovative, forward-thinking academic schools and nominated, in 2022, for Independent Prep School of the Year (ISOTY Awards).”