Jane Nolan has dedicated her career to working in some of the most deprived communities in the country. She joined Ormiston South Parade Academy for her first headship in 2014 and within three years had transformed the school.

When she arrived at OSPA, the Lincolnshire school was at risk of special measures, staff morale was low and teacher retention was at crisis point. Jane reversed these trends and restored parents’ faith and trust in the academy.

Despite its being in one of the most deprived wards in the country, by 2017 the school’s progress scores were the highest in the region, placing it in the top 2 per cent in England. Attainment is also significantly above the national average in 22 out of 23 measures across all key stages. 

At the heart of Jane’s approach is an absolute commitment to inclusion and enrichment. She is out in all weathers talking to parents, organising food parcels for struggling families and going the extra mile for pupils. As a single parent of a child with special educational needs and disability, she understands the challenges that pupils and parents face, and her empathy and sensitivity is a huge strength.

The lead judge commented: “Jane Nolan is an outstanding head who achieves outstanding results for her pupils. Pupils in her school develop a love of learning. She has built a strong team and develops leadership across her school. She also works to support other schools in what is one of the most deprived areas in the country.”

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