Community award for headteacher of outstanding school in Kilburn

The headteacher of an outstanding secondary school in Kilburn has won an award for his dedication to an initiative that teams up disadvantage pupils with local businesses.

Eugene Moriarty, headteacher of St Augustine’s Church of England High School in Kilburn Park Road, scooped the community champion category at the Business in the Community’s London Awards.

He was recognised for his commitment to launching Business Class Programme, a national initiative that engages businesses to support young people facing social disadvantages by forming long-term partnerships with schools.

Abdel Ydri, the school’s work related learning manager, said: “Leading by example, Mr Moriaty attends most of the business class events and ensures that the achievements of the programme are reported back to the school’s governing Body.

“His wholehearted endorsement of the programme ensures that everyone involved in the school from staff, parents to the local authority and other educational organisations are aware of its significant benefits.

“In addition, he has made sure the Business Class Programme was clearly highlighted in the school’s self evaluation Form for Ofsted last year which resulted in the school attaining an ‘Outstanding’ rating.”

Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community, said: “Responsible business practices start in our local communities but often schools, organisations and individuals are ‘unsung heroes’ and their significant and valuable contributions rarely get the attention they deserve.

“These awards are our chance to redress this imbalance.”