A primary school in Telford is celebrating the “extraordinary achievement” of winning a prestigious national accolade which recognises excellence in pastoral care and wellbeing.
Woodlands Primary School and Nursery has been named as the Pastoral School of the Year 2026 – awarded to a single school nationally, the honour celebrates organisations whose pastoral provision has a transformative impact on pupils, families and communities.
The award, presented by the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE), recognises schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to supporting the wellbeing, personal development and life chances of children and young people.
Jo Duncombe, headteacher of Woodlands Primary, which is part of Four Hills Education Trust, said the award was recognition for years of dedication to create a school where relationships came first and every child felt safe, valued, heard and supported to succeed.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to receive this national recognition. This award belongs to every member of Team Woodlands and reflects the compassion, dedication and commitment shown each and every day by our staff, governors, volunteers and wider school community.
“At Woodlands, we have always believed that children flourish when they feel safe, valued, heard and cared for. We work with children who often face significant challenges, and our team goes above and beyond to ensure that every child feels that they belong and that they matter.
“While we are proud of the award, what makes us proudest is seeing our children grow in confidence, overcome barriers and believe in themselves. They are the reason we do what we do.”
Kirsty Osman, chief executive of Four Hills Education Trust, added: “This award is an extraordinary achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for Jo Duncombe and the entire Woodlands team.
“The school exemplifies what exceptional pastoral care looks like in practice. Every decision is rooted in a commitment to ensuring children feel included, supported and able to thrive.
“Woodlands has built a culture where wellbeing, belonging and high expectations sit alongside academic success, and where no child is ever given up on.
“To be recognised nationally by NAPCE as the Pastoral School of the Year is a significant accolade and highlights the life-changing impact the school is having on children, families and the wider community.”
As the national winner, Woodlands now joins a small group of schools recognised for setting the benchmark for pastoral excellence across the country.
NAPCE is the UK’s leading professional organisation for pastoral care in education and champions the importance of wellbeing, inclusion, belonging and personal development alongside academic achievement.
Its National Awards are widely regarded as the foremost celebration of excellence in pastoral care, recognising schools and professionals who place children and young people at the heart of everything they do.
