Lambeth Mayor honours school staff at annual awards on 28 July 2026
Cllr Paul Valentine presented awards to teachers, support staff and governors at a ceremony in Lambeth
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Lambeth Council celebrated the contributions of school staff at the Mayor’s annual awards ceremony on 28 July 2026. The event, held at an undisclosed venue in the borough, saw Cllr Paul Valentine, Mayor of Lambeth, present awards to teachers, support staff, senior leaders and governors for their work in local schools.
Nicola Harris, deputy headteacher at Allen Edwards Primary School in Stockwell, received the Senior Leader of the Year award. Harris was one of 15 winners across categories including SENCO of the Year, Support Staff of the Year and Governors of the Year. Segolene Mathurin of Van Gogh Primary School won the SENCO award, while Nerea Olano of The Norwood School was named Support Staff of the Year.
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Retiring headteachers recognised
The ceremony also paid tribute to headteachers retiring after decades of service. Linda Adams, who led Lansdowne and Turney Special Schools, was among those honoured. Adams had been headteacher for over 20 years, supporting children with special educational needs across Lambeth. Paul Cornall of Oasis South Bank Primary and Simon Jackson of St Leonard’s CE Primary School were also recognised for their careers.
Cllr Alice Weavers, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, attended the event. Weavers said the awards highlighted the work of staff who shape the lives of children in the borough. She added that all nominees and winners demonstrated the commitment of Lambeth’s school communities.
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Our schools in Lambeth offer so much to children and young people, and those present at our awards ceremony epitomised what working with schools in Lambeth is all about.
Cllr Paul Valentine, Mayor of Lambeth
Ofsted success celebrated
The event also acknowledged schools that received positive Ofsted inspection judgements during the 2025-26 academic year. Lambeth Council did not specify which schools were recognised, nor the number of institutions involved. The awards ceremony has been held annually since its inception, though the council has not confirmed whether it will return in 2027.
A full list of winners and shortlisted nominees was published on the council’s website. The awards covered categories for senior leaders, SENCOs, support staff, governors and those making an exceptional contribution to school life. No financial prizes were mentioned in the council’s announcement.
What happens next
Lambeth Council has not announced plans for next year’s awards. The 2026 ceremony was the latest in an annual series, but the council has not confirmed whether the event will continue in 2027. Residents seeking updates on future awards can check the council’s website or contact the Mayor’s office.
Questions this report answers
+Who won the Senior Leader of the Year award?
Nicola Harris of Allen Edwards Primary School in Stockwell won the Senior Leader of the Year award at Lambeth Council’s Mayor’s annual school awards on 28 July 2026. Harris was recognised for her leadership in the borough’s schools.
+Which retiring headteachers were honoured at the awards?
Linda Adams of Lansdowne and Turney Special Schools, Paul Cornall of Oasis South Bank Primary and Simon Jackson of St Leonard’s CE Primary School were honoured. The awards recognised their years of service to Lambeth’s school communities.
+Will the Mayor’s school awards return in 2027?
Lambeth Council has not confirmed whether the Mayor’s annual school awards will return in 2027. The 2026 ceremony was the latest in an annual series, but no details about next year have been released.
+What categories were included in the awards?
The awards included Senior Leader of the Year, SENCO of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Governors of the Year and Contribution to School Life. Winners and shortlisted nominees were announced at the ceremony on 28 July 2026.
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