Fairfax Academy finished term with a double celebration after two much-loved members of staff both won prestigious teaching honours on a ‘magical’ night at the Midlands Education Awards.

The school’s Deputy Head of Academy Rachel Boyce who won a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Assistant Principal for Inclusion and Participation Helen Williams, was recognised for Outstanding Support for Students Award, after being nominated by their peers in May.

Known across the school for always going the extra mile for students and providing wellbeing support within and outside the classroom, Rachel was nominated after being part of the Fairfax team for 22 years.

Rachel said: “I was in total surprise – I was in a category with really worthy nominees, and was excited and delighted just to be shortlisted. Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award is so humbling.

Helen, who has been at Fairfax for 25 years, specialises in inclusion, student wellbeing and personal development. A friendly face in every school corridor, she is beloved by the Fairfax community for her empathetic and individual-focused support for students.

She said: “I was in complete disbelief when they announced my name – I didn’t believe I was going to win.

“When Rachel won, I teared up because I was so proud of her. For both of us to win on the same night was magical.”