- Teachers, lecturers, support staff, schools, and early years settings announced as Gold Winners at the Pearson National Teaching Awards for their incredible impact on young people
The 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards celebrated the outstanding contribution of educators from across the UK this weekend at a glittering awards ceremony. Considered the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession, 16 gold winners were recognised for their remarkable impact and dedication, seven of which were revealed exclusively on BBC’s The One Show, alongside another in The Sunday Times.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration that honours the outstanding achievements and transformative impact of educators. Run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, and sponsored by Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, the awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
Among the winners is Oli McVeigh, ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’. An inspirational assistant headteacher and director of English, Oli was celebrated for his dedication to improving boys’ education, focusing on mentorship and creating safe spaces for boys to explore masculinity and mental health.
Meanwhile, the gold winner for ‘Teaching Assistant of the Year’, Jo Wyatt was praised for her impactful approach to helping her students develop a sense of identity, using mirrors to promote self-love and encouraging positive relationships through the support of her therapy dog, Bella. Alexis Dabee Saltmarsh, a lecturer of Motorsports, Aeronautical, and Composite Engineering, was also recognised as ‘FE Lecturer of the Year’ for encouraging more women into STEM subjects and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The winners were selected from thousands of nominees, by the Pearson National Teaching Awards judging panel, based on practical evidence of inspirational teaching and learning, contribution to the wider life of the school and community and examples of influence amongst colleagues.
The achievements of these award winners, and the impact they have on young people, reinforce the recent findings from the Pearson School Report 2024 which surveyed more than 12,000 teachers and students across the UK. The report found that 74% of learners say their school supports them in achieving future aspirations, while more than three-quarters of students say their teachers look out for them.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The impact of a great teacher can be life-changing. We can all remember that one teacher who influenced our lives, whether it was just in that moment or something that we have carried with us. That’s why these awards are so important. The devotion of all of those who work in education is clear from the entries we receive year after year, and 2024 was no different. I am delighted to be able to congratulate all of this year’s Pearson National Teaching Award winners. Their exceptional efforts continue to inspire us and enrich the young lives they impact daily.”
Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, says: “It is an honour and privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate all of those who work in education. The impact that teachers have on students is undeniable, and so too is the hard work and dedication that educators show each day. Congratulations to all of the winners and a huge thank you.”
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says: “Our fantastic teachers, lecturers, early years workers and support staff are the beating heart of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and improve the life chances of every child.”
“I want to congratulate all the winners – your unwavering support and dedication to children and young people, giving them the chance to achieve their ambitions and thrive in the process, is hugely inspiring and deserves celebration.”
“I know from my own school experience, made so wonderful by caring teachers who were ambitious for us all, just how important it is that we rebuild teaching as a career that sparks real pride – and in turn help recruit and keep even more great teachers in our classrooms.”
With an inspiring lineup of winners in 2024 there is also an opportunity for educators across the country to be recognised in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. Entries are now open and submissions can be made through the Pearson National Teaching Awards website.
The 2024 Pearson National Teaching Award Gold Winners are:
| Becky McClean, Special Steps Ltd, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire
The Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education, supported by The Sunday Times |
Becky founded Special Steps Ltd, an extremely rare nursery exclusively for children with SEND needs. She is now working to extend her provision to support more children. Beyond the nursery, she runs inclusive groups like Sunday school, a Rhyme and Rhythm group, a youth club, and a SEND “stay and play” group. |
| Ciara Mulholland, Saint Patrick’s College, Maghera, Derry, Northern Ireland
The Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year, supported by The Sunday Times |
An inspiring new science teacher, Ciara is focused on encouraging girls in STEM fields. She supports the school’s study skills programme with tailored study guides and engaging assemblies, and she runs a popular after-school science club. Alongside her work in the classroom, Ciara helps train the senior camogie team, who reached the All-Ireland finals in 2023, and volunteers at the local primary school’s STEM programme. |
| Natalie Poornomansy, Woodlands Primary School, Doncaster
The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School, supported by Randstad |
Natalie’s engaging classroom creates a motivating environment where children feel valued and inspired to succeed. She has been instrumental in establishing the school’s SEN provision, especially the nurture room, earning praise from school improvement advisors. Her unwavering commitment ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive. |
| Oli McVeigh, Ferndown Upper School, Ferndown, Dorset
The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, supported by Nord Anglia Education |
As assistant headteacher and director of English, ethics, and media, Oli has led significant changes in the English department, resulting in outstanding GCSE and A-level outcomes. His inclusive approach has also shaped the Boys’ Programme, which features mentorship, external speakers, and safe spaces to explore masculinity and mental health. His contributions have influenced practices at the government level, impacting education nationwide. |
| Dawn Ferdinand, The Willow Primary School, Tottenham, London
The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School, supported by Hays Education |
Dawn is a passionate educator from Birmingham who defied the odds to start her career in education. As headteacher of The Willow Primary and Broadwaters Children’s Centre in Tottenham, she achieved ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings. She supports headteachers as a school improvement partner and has mentored many into leadership positions. Committed to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, Dawn’s legacy lies in her relentless pursuit of educational equity and empowerment, impacting her community and the broader education landscape. |
| Mark Thomas, Brymore Academy, Bridgewater, Somerset
The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School, supported by Hays Education |
Mark’s dedication has transformed Brymore Academy, a state-funded boarding and day school for boys set on a 100-acre farm. When he started 14 years ago, the school was in the bottom 10%, today it is consistently in the top 10% for progress nationally. Now the most oversubscribed school in Somerset, with 56% of students with SEND, the school’s varied curriculum covers husbandry, milking and engineering, with access to the farm, gardens, engineering workshops and blacksmithing forge. |
| The Whole School Team, Surrey Square Primary School, London
The Award for Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year |
Surrey Square is ‘more than a school’, acting as a mini local authority and running impactful community initiatives such as a Saturday marketplace, youth club, and community restaurant that serves local families. Beyond high-quality education, the school supports parents with housing, immigration, parenting classes, and job opportunities. This holistic approach is reflected in student success, with the percentage of pupils on track rising from 26% in nursery to 85% by graduation. |
| The Whole School Team, All Saints Catholic School and Technology College, Dagenham, Essex
The Award for Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year, supported by Step into Teaching |
Despite many students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, they achieve remarkable success at All Saints. Through collaboration with Citizens UK, the school fosters a strong sense of belonging, where every student and teacher receives a birthday card for example. Guided by values of respect, understanding, affection, and humour, it serves as a sanctuary for learning and growth for all who enter. |
| Antoinette Hamilton, Digital Strategy Lead, Chilmington Green Primary School, Ashford, Kent
The Award for Digital Innovator of the Year, supported by Nord Anglia Education |
As the Digital Curriculum Lead Toni has dedicated her career to enhancing teaching and learning through technology. Passionate about inclusion and equitable learning, she ensures every classroom is equipped with tools like ear defenders, microscopes, and AR/VR experiences. She implements resources like Immersive Reader to support students with SEN, providing the right tools for all learners. Toni also runs a mentorship programme for teachers across the Trust. |
| Alexis Dabee Saltmarsh, Lecturer in Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering, Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, Gwent, Wales
The Award for Further Education Lecturer of the Year |
Alexis is passionate about nurturing future talent and equipping her students with skills in advanced technologies, additive manufacturing, and industry 4.0, while simultaneously advocating for equality and diversity in STEM. Despite managing a long-term disability, her commitment to student success is unwavering, reflected in her pursuit of a Master’s Degree and involvement with local schools. |
| Jo Wyatt, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia in Mold, Flintshire, Wales
The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year |
Jo focuses on helping students develop identity and self-love through unique techniques, including using mirrors to reflect their potential and involving her therapy dog, Bella. She promotes peer support with her ‘Wellbeing Warriors’ programme and has educated staff on trauma-informed practices, creating a nurturing classroom environment. As the school’s family liaison officer, Jo provides life-changing support to families, running parenting classes and supporting those affected by trauma. |
| Woolenwick Infant and Nursery School, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
The Award for Impact through Partnership supported by Pixl |
As the flagship for the Primary School Music Strategy, Woolenwick encourages every child to play an instrument, with over 100 students now reading music and enjoying its benefits.
Renowned for collaboration, the school partners with local and national organisations on initiatives like an intergenerational project with a care home, mental health workshops with MIND, and creative wellbeing projects. An anti-racist school, it also offers training and workshops for families. |
| The EYFS Team, Venture Outdoor Kindergarten, Kingsbridge, Devon
The Early Years Team of the Year Award |
Venture Outdoor Kindergarten started with Jenny, Zoe and a handful of children exploring South Devon’s outdoors. Under their guidance, Venture has grown into a supportive family of practitioners. Their exceptional approach prioritises calm, respectful interactions, putting children’s ideas first. The team fosters meaningful relationships, emphasising self-confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing to prepare children for life. |
| The Culinary Arts and Hospitality Team, Westminster Kingsway College, London
The Award for Further Education Team of the Year |
This team drives Westminster Kingsway College’s reputation for excellence, training 40% of London’s catering apprentices. Each member brings extensive expertise and industry connections. Their focus on sustainability enriches the learning experience, providing opportunities like guest lectures from renowned chefs and industry placements, both locally and abroad. This approach is particularly impactful for students who have previously struggled with education, equipping them with practical skills and industry insights for successful careers. |
| David Kershaw, Central Academies Trust, Birmingham, West Midlands
The Award for Lifetime Achievement |
With 60 years in education, David has successfully guided four secondary schools out of OFSTED ‘special measures’ and improved schools in deprived areas across Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, and Bradford.
David began his career unconventionally, leaving school with no qualifications after failing his eleven-plus. After pursuing football with Huddersfield Town A.F.C., he was supported by manager Bill Shankly to train as a teacher, fueling his commitment to create opportunities for young people. He was awarded a CBE in 2007 for his services to education. |
| Greg Smalley, Aurora Brambles East School, Darwen, Lancashire
The ‘Unsung Hero’ Award |
Greg leads the school’s Highgrove provision, an onsite forest school for students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties and autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Delivering a tailored phonics and numeracy programme he engages hard-to-reach students while helping them develop practical, social, and emotional skills outdoors. By building connections with local groups, he fosters a sense of community and belonging for his students, whether encouraging them to create outdoor environments or caring for newly hatched chicks and ducklings. |
