Paul Langridge, Headteacher at Wentworth Primary School has been presented with Dartford’s prestigious The Dartfordian Award.
Paul has won The Dartfordian Award for services to education in the Borough of Dartford. The award was presented by Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council and was presented to Paul on 24th March 2022 during a School Council visit to The Worshipful Mayor of Dartford’s Council Chambers at Dartford Borough Council.
There have only been 105 Awards previously awarded. However, two previous winners of the Award have been Sir Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones and Adam Gemili Olympic Champion, both were ex-pupils at Wentworth.
Paul has been a part of Wentworth for nearly 40 years and has played a key role in making Wentworth the successful school it is today. During his time at Wentworth apart from the children’s academic achievements he has had many sporting successes, most notably producing outstanding cricket teams and taking them to National finals on many occasions. He has watched the school excel in football, athletics, rounders and always celebrated sporting success over the years. Paul has moved from being deputy head of the school to being the head. He has inspired many and that shows in the number of ex pupils who have come back to work in the school. One of Paul’s most famous pupils is of course Adam Gemili who has remained in contact with Paul and visits the school. The children over the years have the utmost respect for Paul as a leader for their school but also know that he has been there for them through their good times and bad times. Paul is all about developing the Wentworth Family and has built strong relationships with the local community including local secondary schools, Dartford Football Club and with our local church Christchurch.
Paul is due to retire from Wentworth on 1st April 2022 and is being replaced by Lewis Pollock as Headteacher.
On receiving The Dartfordian Award Paul Langridge said “It is an honour to receive this award. My thanks to all the members of the Wentworth Family who have been part of the schools’ success, the children, staff, parents and Governors. They have made my tenure as Headteacher an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Thank you to Dartford Borough Council for their support”. Lewis Pollock said “Paul has been an incredible servant to his community over the past 30 years. His unwavering commitment to ensuring that thousands of children have enjoyed their primary school years has been an inspiration to many. Paul’s desire to build the Wentworth family has allowed children, parents and grandparents to engage so positively with the school and we wish him all the best for the future”.
