Theale Green School recognised with prestigious national leadership award
Theale Green School has been awarded the Professional Teaching Institute (PTI) Leadership Mark, recognising the school’s commitment to educational excellence, leadership development and ensuring every child feels a genuine sense of belonging.
The nationally recognised award follows a year-long leadership programme undertaken by Headteacher, Charlotte Badarello, and celebrates an innovative action research project focused on improving outcomes for a group of Year 9 students who were at risk of becoming disconnected from school life.
The Professional Teaching Institute, formerly the Prince’s Teaching Institute and now under the patronage of His Majesty The King, supports schools across the country in developing exceptional teaching and leadership.
At the heart of Theale Green School’s project was a simple but powerful belief: every child matters, every child deserves to be known, and every child deserves to belong.
Working closely with families, staff and Reading Rockets basketball coach and mentor Shaun Romeo, the school developed a programme centred on positive relationships, mentoring and engagement through sport. The initiative targeted a small group of boys who faced significant barriers to education, including poor attendance, challenging personal circumstances and low engagement with school.
The results have been transformative.
Students involved in the project improved attendance, increased participation in school activities and demonstrated stronger engagement in learning. Several students significantly increased their positive rewards and reduced negative behaviour incidents, while others went on to achieve success through activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, competitive sport and academic competitions.
The project also strengthened relationships between the school and families. Parents became more actively involved through Theale Green School’s Parent Partnership Group, helping to build trust, improve communication and create a shared commitment to supporting young people.
Headteacher, Charlotte Badarello, said:
“Receiving the PTI Leadership Mark is a fantastic achievement for Theale Green School and recognition of the values we believe in so strongly.
At Theale Green School, belonging sits at the centre of everything we do. We know that when young people feel seen, valued and supported, they are far more likely to succeed.
This project showed what can be achieved when schools, families and the wider community work together. We have seen students who previously struggled with attendance and behaviour begin to engage more positively with school, build aspirations for their future and develop confidence in themselves.
We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to the staff, families and partners who have supported them.”
The achievement reflects the remarkable journey of Theale Green School over recent years. Having rebuilt from a period of significant challenge, the school has transformed the student experience, stabilised staffing and enhanced support for pupils with additional needs, while continuing to grow its reputation across West Berkshire.
Building on the success of the project, the school has already begun the next phase of its work. In partnership with Activate Learning, a new programme aimed at increasing belonging and confidence among a group of Year 9 girls has been launched. The initiative includes wellbeing-focused workshops designed to promote self-confidence, positive relationships and stronger connections to the school community.
Theale Green School plans to expand this work during the next academic year as it continues its commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
