Televison presenter Alex Jones has praised the headteacher of Malton School after he was  named as one of the country’s most inspirational headteachers.
Rob Williams, has won a Pearson National Teaching Gold Award and was announced as Headteacher of the Year in a secondary school live on the BBC’s The One Show yesterday evening.

Alex said: “We were so thrilled to have Rob on the show and want to thank him for his incredible work. We all know the value of a great teacher, and Rob has proven himself to be both outstanding and inspirational. There has never been a more important time to celebrate the hard work that happens in our schools across the country, and we are delighted to do our bit to thank them.”

The Pearson National Teaching Awards, which are now in their 22nd year, are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers. Founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.
This focus on celebrating teaching comes at a time when the country has truly recognised the vital work that schools perform daily. Now, these award-winning school staff will be honoured on a national platform.
Rob, who has been headteacher at Malton School since 2006, said: “The award is a huge surprise and a massive honour. The process, realising how many people within and connected to our school community have supported my nomination, is very humbling indeed.
“ I want to say thank you to all who have helped me along the way; thank you to the whole staff team – this is a very significant tribute to them; and a special thanks to my children and loved ones for tolerating and understanding the additional time I have devoted to trying to help the loved ones of others. I am lucky.
He added: “ I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. It is a vocation that is so rewarding and refreshing, working with young people who have such energy and ideas, who constantly surprise and challenge you. There is genuinely never a dull moment.
“And finally, I want to thank the Pearson National Teaching Awards for these awards and the important recognition and boost that they give for the profession, for all working in education, especially in these very challenging times. Thank you.”
Rod Anson, Chair of Governors at Malton School, said: “We have seen first-hand Rob’s quiet yet determined development of a wonderful community with an excellent learning environment and also his rigorous implementation of innovative ideas such as the weekly Personal Development Activities and iPads for all scheme.
“The culture of being the best you can be, while looking after each other, permeates throughout the school with Rob, students, staff and governors encouraging and inspiring each other to strive for excellence.”
Alex Jones, Presenter of the One Show, said: “We all know the value of a great teacher, and Rob has proven himself to be both outstanding and inspirational. There has never been a more important time to celebrate the hard work that happens in our schools across the country, and we are delighted to do our bit to thank them.”