Jinne Payne from Churchtown Primary School in Southport has been shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year at the TES Schools Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the education sector.
The TES Schools Awards shortlist is compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and sector specialists, and recognises the very best from state and independent schools across the UK.
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Friday 19th June 2026 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Churchtown Primary School is part of Endeavour Learning Trust, a North Western multi academy trust of 10 schools has been shortlisted for three awards in total.
They have also been shortlisted for:
- Trust of the Year (10 schools or more)
- Inclusive Trust of the Year
The triple shortlisting is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the trust’s growing reputation for excellence, inclusion, and community leadership.
The Inclusive Trust of the Year category is a recently introduced award, recognising trusts that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to ensuring every pupil, regardless of background or need, is supported to achieve their potential.
For Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, the individual recognition reflects her outstanding leadership of a school that has navigated one of the most challenging periods any school community could face. Her steadfast dedication to pupils, staff and families has been widely acknowledged across the sector.
Last year, Jinnie Payne won the Sefton Community Impact Award sponsored by Carlsberg at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport, while Churchtown Primary School won the Sefton School Of The Year Award.
Following the Southport tragedy in the summer of 2024, which saw one pupil and a former pupil from Churchtown Primary sadly lose their life and others injured, Mrs Payne stepped up to support children at the school, local families and members of staff all deeply affected.
School was opened throughout that summer to support families.
Along with the families of the girls who lost their lives Mrs Payne led a huge fundraising campaign which raised over £300,000.
It led to the creation of a brand new playground and library at Churchtown Primary School as a lasting legacy.
As part of the fundraising, Jinne Payne completed the London Marathon last year – and then returned to complete the London Marathon in April this year too.
David Clayton, CEO of Endeavour Learning Trust, said:
“Being shortlisted for three TES Awards is an extraordinary honour and a reflection of the dedication and compassion of every member of our trust community.
“Each nomination speaks to what we stand for: putting people at the heart of everything we do, championing inclusion, and giving every child the very best start in life.
“I’m particularly delighted that Jinnie’s exceptional leadership at Churchtown Primary School has been recognised in this way after years of hard work.”
The trust has grown significantly in recent years while maintaining a distinctive culture of togetherness and belonging.
Its nomination for Trust of the Year recognises both the scale of its ambition and the quality of outcomes it achieves for the children and communities it serves.
Jinnie Payne said:
“I am deeply humbled to be shortlisted for this award. It is not something I could achieve alone but instead it belongs to every member of our school community who gives so much of themselves, every single day, for our children.”
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