GOVERNOR Jack Stephenson has won a national award for his work in turning round Brompton Hall Special School, near Scarborough.

He has been awarded the Outstanding Governor Award in the Edexcel Achievement in Education Awards.

Brompton Hall is a boarding school which caters for boys aged between eight and 16 from across the county who have emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).

Mr Stephenson joined the governing body in 2000 when the school faced an uncertain future according to clerk to the governors, Christopher Holmes.

Mr Holmes said that at that time the previous chair of governors had resigned following a "breakdown in working relations" between the governing body and staff.

He said Mr Stephenson's style of leadership quickly helped to heal the divisions of the past and he worked with staff and parents to reduce the high number of pupils who were being suspended or expelled from the school.

"He adopted a hands-on approach and was openly applauded by staff and governors alike for his efforts."

Mr Stephenson said: "I was well aware of the difficulties the school was experiencing when it was suggested that I might become a governor and some of my associates painted a pessimistic picture.

"In my view, however, a real challenge lay ahead and the school had sunk to such a low level that the only way was up. The fact that I would be helping disadvantaged children appealed greatly. As soon as I was appointed chair of governors I set about improving the atmosphere in the school by meeting every member of the teaching, care and support staff and by encouraging governors to visit the school.

"My message to them all was: leave the past behind, be open and honest in all your dealings, follow financial rules and regulations religiously and do everything you can to raise the school's profile in the local community and wider afield. And most importantly, remember why the children have been placed in an EBD special needs school and do everything possible to give them the very best education and care."

Judges awarded Mr Stephenson the top award for governors and he wins £1,000 to spend on an educational activity or item of his choice and £1,000 for his school.

Mr Stephenson, who is also a magistrate and chairs the North Yorkshire Probation Committee, will receive his award at a ceremony in London on July 11, hosted by BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth.

Updated: 09:13 Wednesday, May 29, 2002