Former Plymouth School Leader Martin Brook Shortlisted for National Lifetime Achievement Award

Lipson Co-operative Academy, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is proud to announce that former headteacher Martin Brook has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026.

This national recognition celebrates Martin’s extraordinary contribution to education over nearly four decades, during which he has transformed schools, shaped leaders and improved life chances for thousands of young people across Nottinghamshire and the South West.

Martin’s career has been defined by integrity, compassion and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. His leadership at Lipson Co-operative Academy in Plymouth stands as one of the region’s most significant school improvement journeys.

When Martin joined Lipson in 2019, the school was facing significant challenges. Initially appointed for a single day to stabilise the school, he went on to lead a sustained transformation over seven years. Today, Lipson is a thriving, high-performing school, recognised for both its academic success and inclusive ethos.

However, Martin’s impact goes far beyond results. He has built a school culture rooted in belonging, kindness and high expectations. Students describe feeling safe, respected and valued, while staff consistently highlight the strong sense of trust and support within the school. 

Colleagues describe him as a unifying force who brings people together around a shared purpose, combining clarity of vision with humility and humanity.

Martin’s influence extends well beyond his own school. He has mentored headteachers across the region, worked as a National Leader of Education accredited by the DfE, and supported system-wide improvement, playing a key role in strengthening education across Plymouth and the wider South West. Many leaders credit him with shaping their own approach to leadership.

Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced on National Thank a Teacher Day in June. The awards, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, celebrate excellence in education and highlight the vital role teachers and schools play in shaping future generations.

Martin Brook, former Headteacher of Lipson Co-operative Academy said: “If I can overcome the slight uneasiness I feel about the nomination, it is clearly a real honour to have been put forward and shortlisted for such a prestigious award, an award that I believe initially carried Ted Wragg's name. Ted was my first mentor during my teacher training in the 1980s and had been an inspiration to me, and I now finish my career working for a Trust that carries his name. I have been blessed to do a job that I love for the best part of 40 years and this nomination is for every student, member of staff and parent that I have been lucky enough to serve during that time.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “Martin’s contribution to education over nearly forty years is simply extraordinary. He has transformed not only the life chances of thousands of young people, but also the careers of the many leaders he has developed and supported along the way. His leadership is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the very best. We are incredibly proud to see him recognised at a national level for the lasting legacy he has created.”