ASK any head teacher what qualities are needed for the role and they will say it is about much more than leadership.

It is about creating a vibrant, happy school where children grow in confidence and flourish both socially and academically.

And this is certainly the case for this year’s winning Head Teacher of the Year, sponsored by The University of Chester.

Since taking over the role in 2009, Amanda Dodd has led the transformation of Culcheth Community Primary School so that it is now almost unrecognisable from the school it once was.

With almost double the number of pupils and the academic performance consistently above the national average, 51-year-old Amanda has led the school from strength to strength and these achievements made her a standout nomination for Head Teacher of the Year.

On receiving her award, Amanda said: “This is such a shock to win the award, I really wasn’t expecting it.

“We have the best pupils you could ever hope for.

“But it is down to such a team effort, everyone makes the school what it is.

“We have absolutely fantastic staff, wonderful parents and brilliant governors.

“We wanted to create a friendly and family-like environment within the school and it means everyone can trust us.

“If there are any problems or concerns, pupils and parents know they can talk to anyone.”

Amanda also thanked her dad when receiving her award who was a head teacher himself for many years, describing him as her ‘inspiration’.

Amanda’s passion, drive and determination combined with a complete open door policy means that parents are overwhelmingly supportive and their children love going to school.

Staff say most days you will find Amanda, who has the ability to see the good in every child and ensure they grow to be the best that they can be, braving the English weather to greet pupils and parents outside.

Colleagues at Culcheth Community Primary School also described her as a ‘truly inspirational leader’ who is well respected but still constantly pushes herself to bring further improvements to the primary school.

Amanda has now spent almost a decade at the school, and looking ahead to the future, she added: “I just want to carry on with happy pupils – I want them to enjoy their time at our school.”