Northampton International Academy’s librarian Julie Broadbent has been announced as Secondary School Librarian of the Year in the 2025 School Library Association Awards.
The awards are a cornerstone of recognition for secondary school library staff and aim to highlight and celebrate the achievements of staff who put reading at the heart of their pupils’ education and support learning throughout the whole school community.
The award judges noted Julie’s passion and commitment to creating a culture of positivity at NIA where reading is actively and consistently celebrated. They commended Julie's initiative in building partnerships within the wider community, working collaboratively with both the local public library and the University of Northampton to maximise reading for pleasure and study skills opportunities for the large numbers of students she supports.
Speaking about the award Julie said: "This is such an honour. I have been a school librarian for 21 years and this is the pinnacle of my career. The amazing thing about the school library is that for every single child who walks through the door, I can turn to them and say: 'I’ve got something just for you. Every child should have access to books, no matter where they are from, because we know the power of those books.”
Executive headteacher for Northampton International Academy Martin Serrão said: “This is such a well-deserved win – Julie has a unique ability to connect with pupils, understand their individual needs and inspire a lifelong love of reading. She runs both the primary and the secondary libraries at NIA and works with hundreds of learners every week, developing the school library into a welcoming safe space. We’re really proud of Julie and of everything she brings to the school every day.”
Julie was announced as the winner at the ceremony in London on 6th November hosted by SLA CEO Victoria Dilly and acclaimed author and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz CBE.
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