A headteacher has won a national award for leadership in her school.

Suzanne Ship, headteacher of Engayne Primary School, in Upminster, was given the Education Resources Award in the leadership in education category.

Judges said they felt Suzanne had worked tirelessly to raise the school to the level of outstanding in its 2011 Ofsted inspection report.

Suzanne said: “I was taken aback and delighted to find out that I had been nominated and shortlisted, so it is difficult to put into words how I felt when my name was announced as the winner of this prestigious national award. I would like to thank the hard work and dedication of the team at Engayne who have made this achievement a reality.”

Caroline Wright, director of BESA who organised the event, said: “What makes these awards different is that they focus on the people that really make an impact on learning.

“We would like to congratulate Suzanne for the quality and success of her leadership which contributes to the lives of everyone involved with the school.”