On November 30th, 2024, we came together to celebrate the winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards at our glittering, annual ceremony.
Held at The Brewery in London, the event saw 16 exceptional teams and individuals awarded their Gold Awards.
This followed a week of celebrations and winner announcements on BBC’s The One Show, complete with surprise celebrity appearances and inspiring stories from the world of teaching.
We are incredibly proud to highlight the significant impact teachers and support staff have on their students and communities across the country.
A nomination for the Pearson National Teaching Awards is something that lifts and boosts the entire school community.
It’s the pulling together of teachers, support staff and other colleagues that make it possible to showcase and recognise stand-out work with the Awards.
Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School
Winner: Oli McVeigh
For championing positive masculinity and creating safe spaces to discuss mental health at Ferndown Upper School in Dorset. Read more about Oli’s inclusive approach.
FE Lecturer of the Year
Winner: Alexis Dabee-Saltmarsh
For breaking down barriers to learning STEM subjects and her commitment to reducing the gender gap at Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone. Read more about how Alexis embraces innovation.
Outstanding New Teacher of the Year
Winner: Ciara Mulholland
For being an inspirational role model to aspiring young scientists at St Patrick’s College in Maghera, County Londonderry. Read more about how Alexis embraces innovation.
Digital Innovator of the Year
Winner: Antoinette Hamilton
For driving the use of technology, seeking ways to empower both students and educators at Chilmington Green Primary School. Read more about this Microsoft Master Educator Trainer and ambassador for various technology communities.
Excellence in Special Needs Education
Winner: Becky McClean
For creating Special Steps Ltd, a nursery that enriches the lives of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Find out more about her work at Special Steps and the groups she hosts in the wider community.
Lifetime Achievement
Winner: David Kershaw
For the huge difference he has made in his 60 year career with his approach to behaviour management. Read more about the significant improvements he has made to school performance across the midlands and West Yorkshire.
Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School
Winner: Dawn Ferdinand
For transforming The Willow Primary and Broadwaters Children’s Centre in Tottenham into ‘Outstanding’ institutions. Read more about this and the work Dawn does supporting vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups.
Unsung Hero
Winner: Greg Smalley
For his exceptional work developing bespoke programmes at Aurora Woodlands School that help students with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Read more about how Greg creates a sense of belonging in the school and wider community.
Teaching Assistant of the Year
Winner: Jo Wyatt
For transforming the lives of pupils and staff at Ysgol Bryn Gwalia. Read more about how Jo helps pupils develop self love and confidence.
Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School
Winner: Mark Thomas
For his inspirational leadership at Brymore Academy in Somerset. Read more about how Mark improved the school’s performance to secure it a spot in the top 10% nationally for progress.
Teacher of the Year in a Primary School
Winner: Natalie Poornomansy
For her outstanding work as a Reception teacher at Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands. Read more about her engaging classroom environment and belief in the potential of every child.
Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year
Winner: The All Saints Catholic School Whole School Team
For their tireless commitment to inclusivity and excellence. Read more about their Unicef Award and collaborations with organisations like Citizens UK.
FE Team of the Year
Winner: The Hospitality and Culinary Arts Team – Westminster Kingsway College
For being the driving force behind the college’s reputation for excellence in education. Read more about the opportunities they provide for their students that profoundly impact their educational experience.
Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year
Winner: The Surrey Square Primary School Whole School Team
For working tirelessly to ensure that Surrey Square is ‘more than a school’. Read more about how they emphasise values and wellbeing, helping students balance learning with personal development.
Early Years Team of the Year
Winner: The Venture Kindergarten Early Years Team
For their exceptional work providing nurturing education for young children. Read more about how they dedicate themselves to making sure each child receives personalised care and education.
Impact through Partnership
Winner: Woolenwick Infant and Nursery School
For their initiatives to create meaningful and impactful partnerships that benefit the school and the wider community. Read more about their ‘grandfriends’ collaboration and the positive outcomes for their students.
Will 2025 be your year?
Entries are now open for the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. Have you got a fantastic colleague you could nominate?
