Calvin Walker-Hall, from All Saints Catholic School, has been named the winner of the 2025 Pastoral Development of the Year Award, presented by the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE).
This national award recognises individuals and teams who go above and beyond to support the well-being and personal development of students in schools across the UK. Calvin’s dedication, compassion and innovative approach to pastoral care has made a profound difference to the lives of young people at All Saints Catholic School and within the wider community.
Headteacher Clare Cantle said: “Calvin Walker-Hall’s contribution to pastoral development is rooted in action, empathy, and inclusion. A National Judo Champion and Team GB representative, he has used his personal excellence in sport as a vehicle to uplift, protect, and inspire. His work is a model for what pastoral care can look like when it is dynamic, deeply inclusive, and rooted in the belief that every young person – regardless of background or ability – deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
At the heart of his contribution is the creation of the All Saints Judo Club, which he founded to serve both the school and the wider Hackney community. Meeting twice a week, the club is a safe, inclusive space where students of all backgrounds and abilities come together to build strength, resilience, and mutual respect. More than just a sporting club, it is a sanctuary and a community hub, offering structure, mentorship, and a sense of belonging to countless young people.
Understanding the unique pressures faced by Sixth Form students, Calvin also introduced a Judo enrichment programme tailored specifically for them. “These sessions help students manage stress, build physical and mental confidence, and develop discipline and leadership skills essential for life beyond school,” said headteacher Clare.
Calvin’s commitment to the safety and empowerment of all students is further exemplified by his creation of self-defence classes for girls. These sessions offer much more than physical skills – they build self-belief, assertiveness, and resilience. In an age where many young women feel vulnerable, Calvin has provided them with a toolkit for confidence and safety that extends well beyond the school gates.
Perhaps most remarkable is his pioneering work in Adaptive Judo, designed for students with acute needs. Through this initiative, pupils with Down Syndrome, visual impairments, and hearing loss have not only engaged in Judo but have excelled, competing both in the UK and internationally, winning medals and, more importantly, finding new confidence and pride in themselves. For many of these students, Adaptive Judo has unlocked a zest for life that had previously been stifled by barriers or limited opportunities. Calvin sees ability where others may only see difficulty, and his belief in his students has become a powerful catalyst for transformation.
“Calvin’s recognition is not only a testament to his remarkable commitment but also a reflection of the caring ethos that lies at the heart of All Saints Catholic School and the Diocese of Brentwood community,” said his headteacher.
Calvin’s All Saints colleague Lisa Irvine was also nominated for Raising Awareness of Pastoral Care in Secondary Schools. Her dedication over 23 years has not only transformed individual lives but has also raised the profile and importance of pastoral care across the school community, making it a core pillar of support and compassion for all students.
Years before the issue reached national headlines, Lisa recognised the silent crisis of period poverty among pupils in her school. She took decisive and compassionate action, securing free sanitary products for girls in need, ensuring they could attend school with dignity, confidence, and without shame.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa was pivotal in ensuring that wellbeing and mental health support extended beyond the school walls and reached every family in need. She coordinated a network of care that included access to counselling, regular check-ins, and tailored support packages, many of which have been maintained long after the pandemic’s peak. Her leadership in this area ensured that families facing uncertainty and hardship were not left to cope alone.
She has taken a proactive approach to secure food support and emergency interventions for pupils and families who may not be flagged through traditional systems, ensuring no child is ever left behind or forgotten. And whether a family is experiencing loss, hardship, or celebration, Lisa ensures that staff are aware and the school responds with sensitivity and care, making the wellbeing of every individual a collective priority.
A unique and vital aspect of Lisa’s work is her commitment to sharing life events and circumstances of pupils and their families with staff in a respectful and dignified way. Through this, she ensures that love, empathy, and understanding are at the heart of every interaction.
Headteacher Clare said: “Mrs Lisa Irvine is the embodiment of quiet leadership and powerful compassion. This nomination recognises not only her outstanding service but also her role in building a culture where care is not an add-on—it is central to everything the school does.”
Lisa herself said: “I was very proud to be nominated. Over the 23 years that I have been here I have always done my job as if I were the mum of our 1,500 students.”
