A North Wales school leader has won a national apprenticeship award in recognition of her work supporting pupils with additional learning needs and driving improvements within her school.

Samantha Stenhoff, assistant headteacher at Ysgol Pen Coch, in Flint, was named Higher Apprentice of the Year at the Cambrian Training Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards after completing her ILM Level 5 Leadership and Management Higher Apprenticeship through Portal Training.

Samantha undertook the qualification while continuing to support pupils and staff across the school's sites in Flint and Mold, applying her learning directly to her role.

During this time, she played a key role in a number of whole-school developments, including digital innovation and curriculum development, helping to create more personalised learning experiences for pupils and supporting staff across the organisation.

Samantha said: "The apprenticeship has changed how I approach leadership. It's given me the confidence to lead whole-school developments and support others in a more structured way."

The award follows a period of significant professional growth for Samantha, who progressed into an assistant headteacher role while completing the programme.

Headteacher Noel Fitzgerald said: "We're incredibly proud of what Samantha has achieved. Her leadership has had a real impact within the school and is now influencing practice more widely."

Gwawr Booth, managing director at Portal Training, added: "This is exactly what apprenticeships should achieve - developing people in a way that creates real, lasting impact within organisations and across the sector."

Samantha's success comes as Ysgol Pen Coch continues to strengthen provision for pupils with additional learning needs and share good practice with schools across the region.