UK charity, The Teaching Awards Trust, is calling for the local community to nominate school staff in London for a prestigious national teaching award, televised by BBC One’s The One Show.
With the 2023 Awards now open for entry, it’s the perfect time to recognise those unsung teaching heroes in London and surprise them live on TV. Entries will be judged by a panel including The One Show host, Alex Jones.
Last year, Kensington Headteacher Andrew O’Neill, was surprised in a school assembly by TV presenter Matt Allwright, who presented him with his award. Andrew Sanders of Moorcroft, in Bramble Close – an outstanding school for students with severe learning difficulties – won Gold in the ‘Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education’ category for being “so much more than a headteacher.”
Andrew said:
“This award is so important to me because I have a real passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to reach their potential. This is wonderful recognition of the work that we do.
I love seeing the teachers I work with grow and develop. That’s why it’s so wonderful to see so many teachers getting the recognition they deserve as part of these fantastic awards.”
The Unsung Hero award spotlights everyday heroes working in establishments providing full-time education to children aged 3-18. And it’s not just for teachers.
You can nominate any member of staff, including office staff, caretakers, lab technicians and all support staff. It gives them some of the recognition they deserve for all their hard work.
Silver winners enjoy a celebratory afternoon tea reception in July, followed by the annual awards ceremony in November for both Silver and Gold winners.
As well as attending the ceremony at a London venue, winners get an overnight stay in a top London hotel, and a trophy to recognise their contribution to a profession that changes lives.
Winning Gold last year in the ‘Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ category for his leadership at All Saints Catholic College, Mr O’Neill said:
“When I saw Matt Allwright on stage in assembly to present me with my award, I couldn’t believe it. I’m delighted and humbled by the whole experience. There are so many headteachers doing an amazing job and I feel very lucky to have won.
“What we have achieved in the last six years has been the most remarkable team effort. My talented senior leadership team and staff have proven again and again they can rise to any challenge. So this truly feels like an award for everybody.”
Now the Pearson National Teaching Awards is calling for entries in London for the 2023 awards.
With over 3000 schools and colleges in London alone, there must be plenty of unsung teaching heroes out there who deserve a bit of recognition.
If you know a teacher or anyone who works in your local nursery, school or college that deserves an award then don’t miss this opportunity!
You can nominate on the Teaching Awards website: www.teachingawards.com and the entry deadline for the 2023 National Teaching Awards is 24th February.
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 amazing teacher who made such a difference in their lives, whether that’s igniting a fire for their favourite subject or the support they’re received outside the classroom. Teachers and school staff will never know how many lives they have changed, or the impact they have made on so many children and their families, but our hope is that these awards help show them our gratitude, how much we owe them, how much we value their dedication.”
