It is 25 years since Gill Robinson came to Huddersfield and in that time her work has helped thousands of youngsters with special educational needs across the country.
And now the headteacher of Castle Hill School on in Newsome Road South has been rewarded for her unstinting dedication with an OBE.
She was nominated for the honour by colleagues who have been awed by her work.
She began her teaching career at a primary school, where she taught pupils with special educational needs using music to help with communication.
She found it so fulfilling she decided to concentrate on a career helping children with special educational needs and after working at a school in Cambridge, and taking seven years out to look after her three children, she was fast tracked for a headteacher role.
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She came to Kirklees in 1991, joining Turnshaws Special School in Kirkburton, became deputy head in 1996, and headteacher two years later.
She was instrumental in the work to merge Turnshaws with Highfields School in Edgerton. In 2004 she stepped aside from her headteacher job to work with architects and the council to plan the new building, which would become Castle Hill School and make sure it was appropriate for the children.
She toured the country looking at other new schools to ensure it was of the best possible design.
The new school opened in 2006 with Mrs Robinson as headteacher and her drive and determination saw it make an immediate impact.
Within 18 months of opening it received a glowing Ofsted report which was repeated three years ago when inspectors said it was outstanding, reaching the top grade in every area.
Her work has also reached youngsters in other parts of the country. She is the regional rep for the Teaching Schools Council for Yorkshire and the Humber and in 2014 became a National Leader in Education, helping steer and mentor up and coming special needs headteachers.
She works across the country supporting colleagues at other special schools and mainstream schools which have special educational needs provision.
It is not only the children who have been helped,
Her nomination forms for the OBE tell how she encourages and nurtures staff to achieve their potential.
“I can’t believe I’m getting the honour,” she said. “I was totally shocked at getting an award for something which I adore doing.
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“Every day is a pleasure to come into work and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
“Working across the country has been an absolute privilege.
“I was 60 in February and I guess I will be retiring in a few years, but I have no plans for that at the moment.
“I review it year by year, but I enjoy the work so much and have such a fantastic staff and great support from the parents.”
The school will reopen next week, and a big celebration is planned for next Friday.
“It’s not just me receiving this award,” she added. “It’s for everyone – the staff, the parents and the children.
“It’s the contribution of everyone which has made it possible.”
