The executive head of Moon Hall School, in Surrey, has been named Headteacher of the Year (Independent) 2026 in this year’s Tes Schools Awards.
Michelle Catterson has been head of the special schoool for children with dyslexia since 2018, having originally joined as depury head, and later becoming acting head.
She has served as chair of the board for the British Dyslexia Association and as a member of two all-party parliamentary groups (APPGs) working alongside peers in the House of Lords to advocate for legislative changes for children with SEND.
Judges commended her for exceptional “educational expertise and national influence”.
Catterson, who is originally from Scotland, worked in scientific research for a global corporation after graduating from university, but re-trained as a science teacher because she wanted to make an impact on young people’s lives.
A leader is only as strong as the community they guide
She said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award from Tes. While this is an individual accolade, it truly belongs to the exceptional team behind me.
“A leader is only as strong as the community they guide, and this recognition is a
direct reflection of the passion, hard work, and dedication of the staff, pupils,
and families at Moon Hall.
“Every very single day, our team works together to create a nurturing, ambitious, and supportive environment where our students can flourish.
“I am immensely proud to accept this award on behalf of our entire school community.”
Catterson is a well-known advocate for children with dyslexia and, earlier this year, wrote an article for SENDsational Futures about the need for early intervention to empower pupils to succeed.
Moon Hall, is an award-winning school providing tailored education for dyslexic children from Year 3- Year 11, and offering a bespoke multi-sensory curriculum.
On the back of its success it will open a new site, Moon Hall Copthorne, in the grounds of Copthorne Prep School, in Sussex, in September offering hybrid education for pupils aged seven to 11 years.
