Head says teaching 'Oscar' won by whole school (From Daily Echo)

Head says teaching 'Oscar' won by whole school

3:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2007 in

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IT is not just for me but for the whole school. That is how Fareham's Kevin Harcombe summed up his reaction to being named the best primary head teacher in the country at the National Teaching Awards - the Oscars of the teaching world.

The 50-year-old head of Redlands Primary told how he had been left completely bemused when a TV crew descended on his school to break the news to him.

Mr Harcombe, an accomplished guitarist, who admits to having busked in Brighton's shopping centre while a student, picked up the award at London's Palladium Theatre.

He said: "It was great to be on that stage and I can remember watching Sunday Night at the London Palladium on TV."

News that he had won the prestigious accolade was broken to him when a TV crew filming a children's programme suddenly descended on the school last week.

Mr Harcombe said: "It was in the middle of assembly. A huge cheer went up from the children and I was suddenly surrounded by several cameras. It came as a huge surprise and my staff say it was the first time that I was lost for words."

Although his name is on the award Mr Harcombe was quick to point out that it was a huge accolade for the school and was very much a team effort.

He said: "It is the pupils, staff, governors and parents that make a school."

Mr Harcombe's teaching career began in 1985 and Redlands is his third headship.

Seven years ago he arrived at the Redlands Lane school at a time when it was in need of a much-needed boost.

Mr Harcombe said: "It was just a bit down in the dumps and needed some vision and direction. There were good children and good staff with supporting parents. It just needed bringing together."

Under his guidance the school's fortunes have made a dramatic turnaround. This year's exam results were the best ever and for three years inspectors have rated the school as "outstanding".

The school also has a state-of-the- art music and drama room with a wide range of specialist lighting equipment and musical instruments and a fully-stocked library.