Lee Raftery, headteacher at The Royal Liberty School in Upper Brentwood Road, Gidea Park, has been nominated for the state school headteacher of the year in the Tes Schools Awards 2025.
The awards refer to themselves as the ‘Oscars of education’ and recognise the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and sector experts.
The schools and teachers they chose showcase the best of UK education within 22 award categories.
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A spokesperson from Success For All Educational Trust, which runs the Royal Liberty School, said: “All of us are delighted with Mr Raftery’s nomination at the Tes Awards.
“He is an excellent leader who is driven by a strong moral compass to deliver the very best for his students and colleagues.
“Mr Raftery is relentless in his pursuit of excellence for the school and The Royal Liberty School is full of warmth, respect and high expectations.
“We all thank Mr Raftery for his exceptional leadership and wish him the best for the exciting night ahead at the awards.”
Winners of the awards will be announced on June 20 at a gala awards night at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair.
