The founder of a remote boarding school for young children in the Himalayas has been named the first winner of the Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).
Portia Putatunda, founder of Planet Spiti Boarding School in the Himalayas received the award at BSA’s 58th annual Conference for Heads which took place on May 7-8 at Heathrow Hilton Hotel Terminal 5.
Earlier this year Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) was also delighted to present Planet Spiti Boarding School with an Honorary Membership.
The Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership has been introduced for 2024 in memory of former Epsom College Head, Emma Pattison.
The award exemplifies a person who fosters trust, contributes to team morale and makes a meaningful and positive impact on those around them.
In making the award, BSA judges said: “Portia could be described as the ‘Mother Theresa’ of compassionate leadership in boarding. In running every aspect of a free boarding school for young children high in the Himalayas, Portia is embodying so many things, of which compassion is a shining characteristic. Her example is humbling and inspiring in equal measure.”
Planet Spiti Boarding School founder, Portia Putatunda said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Emma Pattison Award. It’s a reminder of the power of community and the importance of spreading kindness. Thank you Boarding School’s’ Association for this incredible recognition.”
The BSA’s 58th annual Conference for Heads brought together more than 150 delegates from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Switzerland and New Zealand for two days focusing on excellence in boarding education. BSA is the largest boarding education association in the world with around 650 members in 40 countries.
Categories: Sector News
