AN award-winning headteacher from Plymouth has been passing on the secrets of his success.

Mark Lees, from Beechwood Primary School in Southway, scooped the South West award for Headteacher of the Year in the Teaching Awards this summer.

Aspiring headteachers from the city joined him at Beechwood Primary, where he gave a master-class on school leadership.

Mr Lees has now qualified for the national awards, which will take place next month.

The awards ceremony, at the London Palladium, will be televised on the BBC.

Mr Lees said: "I would advise aspiring headteachers to always keep the needs and rights of children at the core of everything they do, while supporting staff and treating everyone as equals.

"A headteacher should be the inspiration to all those lucky enough to be part of a school team and I am keen to pass on my experience to others looking to take on the role.

"Being a headteacher is a privilege and I am lucky to have been given the opportunity to shape the lives of children and families in my local community."

Stephanie Thomas, senior education adviser at Plymouth City Council, described Mr Lees as an "inspirational leader".

"Mark Lees is a committed educationalist," she said.

"He combines compassion with deep professional knowledge, innovative thinking and a flair for presentation.

"He believes in the potential of all children to succeed and one of his key abilities is to translate that belief into a whole school.

"Mark is a role model who provides motivation for all in education today, especially those who are aspirant school leaders of the future.

"The children, young people and teachers of Plymouth are fortunate that he is working amongst us."