The headteacher of Abbot's Lea School in Woolton, Liverpool, has been named Headteacher of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Education Awards. Mrs Ania Hildrey received the highly coveted accolade during a ceremony held at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel. This award recognises inspirational and outstanding headteachers from across the north west of England who have made a significant impact on education.
The judging panel looked for individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving outcomes for young people. Mrs Hildrey stood out among nominees from a variety of educational settings, reflecting her exceptional commitment to inclusive education and transformative leadership at Abbot's Lea School.
Abbot's Lea School is an outstanding specialist school that delivers high-quality, holistic education for students aged three to 19 living with autism and other complex needs. The staff are committed to ensuring every young person is empowered to achieve their full potential.
Mrs Hildrey was appointed headteacher in 2016. Under her leadership, the school has continued to evolve as a centre of excellence in autism education, research, and professional development. She has fostered a culture of ambition, high expectations, inclusion, and highly therapeutic practice. Her strategic vision and unwavering focus on student outcomes have led to significant developments in curriculum design, staff career pathways, and community engagement, transforming the lives of hundreds of students and families each year.
Central to her philosophy is providing a civil service with a moral duty and commitment to never giving up on any students, no matter how complex or challenging their needs may be.
Speaking after the award announcement, Mrs Hildrey said: "I am incredibly humbled and honoured to receive this award. It reflects the dedication, passion, and expertise of our entire school community. Whilst it is an individual award, behind every leader is an army of superb staff, and this recognition belongs to all of my team, but also our wonderful students and their supportive families."
Councillor Joanne Kennedy, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for employment, educational attainment and skills, said: "This is a hugely well-deserved recognition for Mrs Hildrey and everyone at Abbot's Lea School. Her leadership is an exceptional example of Liverpool's commitment to inclusive, high-quality education that puts children and young people first. Abbot's Lea is a truly outstanding school, and under Mrs Hildrey's guidance it has continued to raise aspirations, break down barriers and transform life chances for children and young people with autism and complex needs. We are incredibly proud to see a Liverpool headteacher recognised at a national level, and I congratulate Mrs Hildrey, her staff, students and families on this remarkable achievement."
Corporate director of children and young people's services at Liverpool City Council, Jenny Glennard, added: "On behalf of myself, my leadership team and everyone at Liverpool City Council, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Mrs Hildrey. I am absolutely delighted to see one of Liverpool's headteachers recognised nationally with the Headteacher of the Year award. This is a tremendous achievement and richly deserved. This recognition is a testament not only to Mrs Hildrey's outstanding leadership, but also to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives and life chances of children and young people. Her dedication, vision, and ability to inspire both staff and pupils exemplify the very best of education in our city."
The Education Awards 2026 were held in association with headline sponsor HSBC UK, alongside a distinguished group of supporting sponsors including Active Clinic, Aston University Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Dishoom, Education Expo, Education Summit, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, On Your Radio Solihull, Solihull Chamber of Commerce, and Talk Education. The ceremony brought together education professionals, leaders, and stakeholders from across the UK to celebrate excellence and innovation within the sector.
