PRESS RELEASE: UK’S MOST INSPIRATIONAL TEACHERS HONOURED AT PRESTIGIOUS PEARSON NATIONAL TEACHING AWARDS

UK’S MOST INSPIRATIONAL TEACHERS HONOURED AT PRESTIGIOUS PEARSON NATIONAL TEACHING AWARDS

++ TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF NAMED AS FINEST IN THE COUNTRY IN WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF TEACHING ++

The nation’s most inspirational teachers, lecturers, and school staff have been honoured at a prestigious ceremony following a televised week-long celebration of teaching on The One Show. At the Pearson National Teaching Awards UK Ceremony on Sunday 28 November, fifteen Gold Award winners were celebrated for excellence in their selected categories, having been chosen from thousands of nominations.

The ceremony followed a week-long celebration of these education award winners on the BBC, which featured a different award winner each day on The One Show. The week ended with all the award-winning teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers being presented with their trophies at a glamorous ceremony at The Brewery in the City of London.

This focus on praising educators comes at a time when the country has truly recognised the vital work that schools and colleges do on a daily basis. The Pearson National Teaching Award winners have been honoured for their incredible work supporting learners across the country. Each award winner has repeatedly gone above and beyond their role to change the lives of their students and help them move towards a brighter future.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. The 2022 Pearson National Teaching Awards open for entry on Friday 26 November 2021.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“People of all ages will always remember that wonderful teacher who made such a difference in their lives. The teacher will never know how many lives they have changed, or the impact they have made on so many families, but our hope is that these awards help show our gratitude.”

Sharon Hague, Managing Director, Pearson School Qualifications, said:

“The last 18 months has given everyone in the country even more of an appreciation of the tireless work that teachers and the communities in our schools do day in, day out.

“Throughout the awards we heard so many inspirational stories of school and college staff who show such exceptional dedication to their students, to their colleagues, and to their communities. Congratulations to every award winner – they are shining examples for us all to celebrate.”

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:

“I would like to congratulate all the winners for this recognition of their amazing work and dedication to their students. Winning one of these awards is a terrific achievement, and is testament to their skill, commitment and passion for teaching.

“We are lucky enough to have some of the best teachers in the world and I would like to thank every single one of our education staff for their hard work supporting children and young people, especially during the pandemic.”

Full list of Pearson National Teaching Award Gold Winners: 

The Award for Digital Innovator of the Year,

Emma Darcy, Denbigh High School, Bedfordshire

The Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education,

Stephen Evans, Derwen College, Shropshire

The Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year,

Hannah Lewis, Troedyrhiw Community Primary, Merthyr Tydfil

The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School,

Reema Reid, Hollydale Primary School, London

The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School,

Michael Allen, Lisneal College, Derry (NI)

The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School,

Jacqueline Birch, St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Wigan

The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School,

Abigail Chase, Bassaleg School, Newport (Wales)

The Award for Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year,

Roundhay Primary School, Roundhay School Primary Campus, Leeds

The Award for Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year,

Wymondham College, Wymondham College, Norfolk

The Award for FE Lecturer of the Year,

Melissa Tisdale, Walsall College, West Midlands

The Award for FE Team of the Year,

The PE Department, New College Pontefract, West Yorkshire

The Award for Lifetime Achievement,

Marie Lindsay, Saint Mary’s College, Derry (NI)

The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year,

Dorota Hall, St Edward’s School, Dorset

The Award for Impact through Partnership,

Roma Narrowing the Gap Team, Queen Katharine Academy, Cambridgeshire

The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner & Community Support,

Matt Jenkins and Jo Fison, The Deaf Academy, Devon

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Phil Copple on 07958 368649 / [email protected]

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The 2021 Pearson National Teaching Awards are open to every school across the UK. The awards were established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 and are managed by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity. The vision of the charity is to recognise and celebrate excellence in education. It does this through its public-facing ‘Thank A Teacher’ campaign www.thankateacher.co.uk, and through the Pearson National Teaching Awards www.teachingawards.com.

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com

Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s best-loved writers for children. With a writing career that spans four decades, he has written over 100 books, selling more than 5 million copies in the UK and over 35 million worldwide. A former Children’s Laureate, Michael has won countless prizes, including the Smarties prize, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Whitbread Award, and was awarded an OBE for Services to Literature. Michael was also awarded an MBE in 1999, along with his wife Clare, in recognition of their work in founding Farms For City Children, a charity that has enabled 100,000 children to visit the charity’s three farms over the last 40 years.

The 2021 Pearson National Teaching Award Categories are: 

Winner Pen Portraits

The Award for Digital Innovator of the Year,

Emma Darcy, Denbigh High School, Bedfordshire

Emma has been the driving force behind the strategic implementation of technology for learning across all schools in the Chiltern Learning Trust MAT, ensuring access for all students. Her work has ensured digital poverty does not affect some of the most disadvantaged students in the country, long before the Covid-19 pandemic. Her leadership has ensured technology really is for all, and all barriers are overcome. Her work has been recognised locally, nationally and internationally, with her undertaking advisory roles on the global technology stage.

The Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education,

Stephen Evans, Derwen College, Shropshire

As Sports & Leisure co-ordinator for a further education college which caters for young people with a range of learning difficulties, Steve’s students have a wide variety of complex special educational needs and disabilities. Many arrive at College believing that sport just isn’t for them. Steve’s impact on these students has been described as ‘life-changing’ as he works tirelessly to ensure that every young person is included in the huge range of activities he provides and is able to benefit from regular exercise.

His passion and drive has been instrumental in bringing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards to Derwen College, giving students the opportunity, motivation and self-belief to get involved with these challenging awards, encouraging them to strive and attain goals beyond their expectations. Thanks to Steve, disabled students who had never run before have completed half-marathons, and he has made a profound impact on every students’ life.

The Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year,

Hannah Lewis, Troedyrhiw Community Primary, Merthyr Tydfil

Hannah is a vibrant, enthusiastic and committed teacher who motivates positive learning attitudes from all those around her – pupils, staff, parents and governors. In addition to being a highly effective teacher, Hannah is a valuable member of the team, sharing her expertise, knowledge and skills to enable others to develop professionally.

During lockdown, Hannah was instrumental in training parents as well as children in the use of digital devices, coaching parents over the phone where necessary. She followed this up by inviting parents and the local community into school for support sessions, including cyber security, C.V. writing workshops, and digital skills training.

The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School,

Reema Reid, Hollydale Primary School, London

Reema is the daughter of a Windrush immigrant who first joined education as a lunchtime supervisor and a teaching assistant in Lambeth before working her way up to a Head of School position. She has worked in Southwark as a substantive headteacher since 2013. She has previously established links across the city, including with Goldman Sachs, the RAF, and even Borough Market, where children grow vegetables at the school and then sell them at the market.

As headteacher, she has been at the forefront of tracking initiatives that have ensured that the school can respond to the challenges of a changing pupil demographic and is driven by continuous school improvement. She is a part of Southwark’s Teaching School Alliance focussing on coaching and mentoring ethnic minority teachers to take up leadership roles in their schools and has empowered many BAME educators and pupils to follow in her footsteps.

The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School,

Michael Allen, Lisneal College, Derry (NI)

Michael Allen joined Lisneal College in 2015 as headteacher and his commitment, leadership and inspiration to all stakeholders has been nothing less than outstanding every day since. His powerful vision and strategic approach now means that Lisneal College is not just a name recognised locally but globally. Michael at all times puts the needs of his students first. He advocates on their behalf and is a wonderful role model with regard to his work ethic, strong value system, accountability and professionalism.

Michael’s outstanding leadership has resulted in a dramatic increase in school enrolment and through gradual change and improvement, he has taken the College’s provision to another level.

The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School,

Jacqueline Birch, St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Wigan

Jacqueline is an inspirational educator who is a passionate advocate for children, working tirelessly to unlock their potential. To Jacqueline, there is no reason why a child should not achieve. During lockdown Jacqueline embraced technology, supporting learners with their studies and well-being remotely as well as producing a digital Christmas video instead of a nativity play.

The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School,

Abigail Chase, Bassaleg School, Newport (Wales)

As Teacher of English and Associate Headteacher for Pedagogy and Reflective Practice, Abigail inspires the whole school community with her infectious passion for learning and genuine care for pupils’ wellbeing.

Seen as an outstanding practitioner in every regard, Abigail ‘makes a difference’ every day not just to the pupils who she teaches but to the staff who are guided, mentored and coached by her. Abigail embodies to her core everything teachers should aspire to in the way she sets the highest expectations for herself and those around her; she will never give up on anyone or anything!

The Award for Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year,

Roundhay Primary School, Roundhay School Primary Campus, Leeds

Roundhay School has been the most oversubscribed primary school in Leeds for the past couple of years. They consistently achieve outcomes that are above the national average and in many cases significantly above the national average. Over the past two years, 100% of their children have passed the phonics screening check preparing them to thrive throughout primary school. Their outstanding commitment to the school community extends beyond the classroom. Over the last 18 months, Roundhay supported the school community through the pandemic by setting up a foodbank and creating bereavement boxes for children who had lost relatives or other loved ones to Covid.

The Award for Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year,

Wymondham College, Wymondham College, Norfolk

Wymondham College is one of only a handful of state boarding schools in the country, creating a culturally diverse community with students from a huge range of backgrounds. Many students come from deprived areas and have challenging personal circumstances, and are supported to make great academic and personal progress. Students take up places at a range of academically rigorous universities, and are also supported to go onto higher level apprenticeships with companies such as Rolls Royce. Students can access an incredible range of extra-curricular activities which support them to achieve new goals after leaving school.

The Award for FE Lecturer of the Year,

Melissa Tisdale, Walsall College, West Midlands

Melissa has some of the highest achieving Media learners in the country despite many students coming from socially deprived areas with historic challenges to education. Her success comes from her independent production company, Future Flames, where students gain valuable real-world work experience on external commissions, including filming and editing for the NHS. This means that every student can list their experience working with a production company on th.V. when they leave school, which is invaluable for finding future work.

Melissa also created the college’s own film festival through her company, with this annual festival raising funds for the charity Mind – more than £1,000 this year despite all being online. Her students gain incredible experience through her work as well as the chance to put together a professional quality showreel when entering the world of employment.

The Award for FE Team of the Year,

The PE Department, New College Pontefract, West Yorkshire

The team over the last five years has not only an outstanding track-record of learner outcomes, but also a reputation as the largest provider of extra-curricular activities across the college. This includes traditional sports teams as well as unique opportunities for able-bodied students to experience paralympic sports such as wheelchair basketball. The commitment of the department has led to many standout student athletes and stories of sporting successes. The department has produced students who play hockey for England, as well as Team GB swimmers.

Beyond sports teams, the department has run campaigns aimed at getting staff and students physically active in lockdown, as well as supporting their students’ on-going engagement in volunteering and developing their leadership skills. This year alone, twenty-four NPLQ lifeguard qualifications have been completed, while 80 students are completing the national CSLA and HSLA sports leadership awards. This means that over 100 hours of voluntary sports leadership is taking place in the community every year, led by college students.

The PE Department also supports students outside of New College Pontefract through their own YouTube channel, which aims to help students far and wide succeed in their BTEC programmes. Through this platform they also offer support with several smaller qualifications alongside BTECs or A levels, such as lifeguard certifications. They also produce a podcast which their students can take part in, where they can hear from industry professionals and get great advice on how to excel in their sport.

The Award for Lifetime Achievement,

Marie Lindsay, Saint Mary’s College, Derry (NI)

Marie Lindsey has devoted her 35 year career as an educator to inspiring generations of young women in the city of Derry and beyond. Her leadership of St Mary’s College has had a life changing impact on her pupils, their families and the wider community, and the school is recognised as one of the highest performing all ability secondary schools in Northern Ireland.

This outstanding journey is underpinned by the innovative ways that Marie engaged pupils, parents, business and educational communities and empowered staff in driving continuous improvement, embracing the Shared Education Programme aimed at overcoming religious and cultural divisions in Northern Ireland. In the most challenging of circumstances Marie has built an enormously strong and resilient school community.

The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year,

Dorota Hall, St Edward’s School, Dorset

Since joining St Edward’s School, Dorota has made a significant difference to the learning of every child through her meticulously planned and engaging literacy lessons. Her patience and determination with students with considerable speech and communication challenges have enabled children to socialise and engage beyond expectations.

Dorota supports students and families beyond her role within the department and frequently liaises with students in English and Polish as needed, working closely with Polish families in their first language.

The Award for Impact through Partnership,

Roma Narrowing the Gap Team, Queen Katharine Academy, Cambridgeshire

Staff at Queen Katharine Academy (QKA) have worked tirelessly to understand and support their Gypsy-Roma community, which were originally at the top of school statistics for disruption, poor attainment and attendance. They visited the Roma community in Slovakia to better understand the people and culture first hand, employed Roma staff to better foster inclusion, and worked closely with Roma educational organisations to share best practice for supporting these students.

QKA was recognised by Parallel Lives, a charity who run community integration projects, as the beacon school for cultural integration across the UK, and the school has now founded a regional English as an Additional Language hub to share best practice and provide regular training and links for stakeholders to access support with Roma education. Partnering with key organisations, including the East of England Local Government Association and Compas Charity, it has hosted training and informative workshops for education, healthcare and community organisations as well as developing a variety of student projects to raise aspirations and provide equity for young Roma.

The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner & Community Support,

Matt Jenkins and Jo Fison, The Deaf Academy, Devon

Matt Jenkins is an enthusiastic teacher with a wealth of innovative ideas, applying solutions to difficulties commonly faced by deaf learners and being able to ‘think out of the box’ to ensure solutions are workable and meaningful. Driven by a desire to ensure that deaf learners had equal access to information and learning around COVID, Matt developed the popular ‘Ask a Deaf Teacher’ YouTube channel, developing online resources in sign language that were fun, engaging and accessible to all deaf children and young people. This was central to the development and delivery of the school’s Online Academy to draw out potential in students and ensure full engagement to learning while recognising the challenges faced by deaf students in accessing learning online.

Jo Fison is an experienced teacher who ensured that online platforms were sign language friendly, able to stream sign language efficiently and clearly, and considered well-being at the heart of all delivery. She ensured online platforms were accessible to all, even those who had not grown up within the digital age, giving up much of her time, to lead, to hand-hold and to cajole staff in believing that teaching remotely was possible. As a result, students who are deaf with additional needs were able to continue their learning throughout lockdown, maintain standards and return to the Academy post lockdown.