A Croydon head teacher has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Years’ honours list for his work turning around the fortunes of a struggling school.

Jonathan Clark, head teacher at Beckmead Family of Schools, took on his role when the schools were underachieving in 2012.

But Beckmead now has a “Good” Ofsted rating.

Dr Clark, known as Jonty, heads the group that includes Beckmead Lower School and Beckmead Upper School, in Shirley, and Chaffinch Brook Upper School in Addiscombe.

He said: “To me it is an accolade that represents the achievements of all the pupils, families and staff who I have had the privilege to have worked with.

“I have been very fortunate to have the support of other professionals, governing bodies and a fantastic partnership with the London Borough of Croydon who have invested in this group of young people.”

Croydon Council has congratulated Dr Clark on his OBE and for turning Becksmead around.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “I know Jonty has always made a point of constantly reviewing the school’s curriculum and he works tremendously closely with the parents and families of his pupils.

“The work he has done has led to many other teachers and heads coming to Beckmead to learn how his methods can be replicated elsewhere.

“He has always worked closely with the council, and has shown commitment to the wider community throughout his time in Croydon.

“Under his leadership Beckmead has provided outreach support to other schools to help them deal with children’s emotional and behavioural difficulties and ASD.

“And he has been central to re-organising and strengthening the borough’s pupil referral units.”

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