Words by Ed King
Wilson Start School Stuart Executive Headteacher, Simon Harris, has been presented with the inaugural ‘Outstanding Contribution to SEND’ award from the University of Wolverhampton.
Established to recognise individuals who have made a significant impact on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, the award was presented to Mr Harris during a lecture he was delivering at the university – with the Wilson Stuart Headteacher completely unaware he was to be honoured.
After receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to SEND’ award, Mr Harris told Erdington Local: “It a complete shock, and I was not expecting this type of award. But it is also important to stress that everything we do at Wilson Stuart is a team effort, and it isn’t fair to spotlight one person. All of our roles work together for the good of the children we educate and care for on a daily basis.”
He added: “We have a seamless team of 182 people who help me every day to do my job, and this award is for each and every one of them.”
Wilson Stuart School began as an educational institution in 1902, originally called the Dean Street Cripple School and renamed after the prominent orthopaedic surgeon Francis Wilson Stuart in 1954.
Moving to Perry Common in 1956, Wilson Stuart School is now situated next to Dovedale School and The Hive College – all established for young people with SEND – and provides education for what Mr Harris previously described to Erdington Local as “pretty much the most complex children, physically and medically, in the city.”
Becoming part of the Education Impact Academy Trust (EIAT) in March 2012, alongside Queensbury School and Mayfield School, Wilson Stuart School currently has up to 270 school places for children aged between 2 and 19 years old.
Recognised as an exemplary educator, during his tenure as Executive Headteacher Mr Harris has taken Wilson Stuart through several Ofsted inspections, maintaining the highest rating from the education ombudsman.
In the school’s most recent inspection, in December 2024, Mr Harris was praised for “lead[ing] the school with high ambition and enthusiasm” as Wilson Stuart School was again awarded the ‘Outstanding’ grade – the seventh consecutive top mark from Ofsted, according to school staff.
The Wilson Stuart School staff, whom Mr Harris also previously described as being “fiercely committed [people who] work incredibly hard”, were also praised by Ofsted for giving their students “the highest level of care and expectations”.
Steve Hughes OBE, former EIAT Chief Executive, joined Mr Harris at the presentation and celebrated his ongoing achievements in SEND education, referring to him as a “pioneer” in the field.
Queensbury School Executive Headteacher, Chris Wilson, also spoke about how Mr Harris has and continues to “break disability barriers”, creating a more inclusive and balanced education system for all learners.
Mr Wilson continued to say: “Simon Harris has been a beacon of hope, an advocate for change, and tireless champion for students with special educational needs in any school.”
He added: “The words ‘I can’t’ are not in his vocabulary and his DNA is probably coded to say ‘Better Never Ends’”, referencing the Wilson Stuart School motto.
In a post made on the Wilson Stuart School website, a spokesperson for the Education Impact Academy Trust told how EIAT is “very proud to have Simon Harris working as part of the family of schools in the trust” and how his “dedication, passion and vision” have “changed lives of countless students, families and staff” for many schools that offer SEND provision.
For more on Wilson Stuart School visit www.wilsonstuart.co.uk
