SHE’S the best primary school headteacher in the North of England – and that’s official.

Dora Plant, headteacher of Ashbrow Infants and Nursery School, Sheepridge, was last night announced as Primary School Headteacher of the Year for the North of England in the Teaching Awards 2010.

Mrs Plant, who has been headteacher of the school for nine years, beat two other shortlisted nominees to scoop the prestigious award in Leeds.

Dora, who has taught for 32 years, was picked by an elite panel including Baroness Shirley Williams, at the event hosted by BBC presenter Ian White.

Mrs Plant, who lives in Slaithwaite, will now go forward to the national finals in London in October.

She was nominated by parent Sarah Gullick who has two children at the school.

Mum-of-two Dora, 55, was glowing with pride for her school.

She said: “I’m delighted for the school because it’s a team affair even though only one person is nominated.

“I feel privileged to be headteacher every day and it’s a wonderful school full of wonderful people.

“Today everybody was on a high and people were talking about it being the best job in the world – and it is.”

And what does Dora think has led to her success at Ashbrow – her first job as a headteacher?

She said: “I think I’m good at spotting people who can bring something special to the school and create a team.

“It’s about bringing together people who will be able to drive the vision forward for the school.

“You’re only a child once. It’s not a matter of seeing childhood as preparation for adulthood. It should be celebrated in its own right.

“People say they feel a warmth when they come through the school doors and I want it to feel like a family.”

The Teaching Awards were founded by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 to focus on inspired professionals who make the positive achievements of pupils possible.

Following the 10th anniversary celebrations in 2008, Will Wyatt CBE, former deputy director general of the BBC became the new chairman of the Teaching Awards Trust and Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson accepted the role of president.

Previous winners at the awards include Rawthorpe High School maths teacher Jonathan Heeley – known as MC Protractor for his “rapping” style in the classroom.