Teachers, lecturers, support staff, schools, and early years winners celebrated 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.
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 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.
Celebrating the winners
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
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.
Alexis Dabee Saltmarsh wins FE Lecturer of the Year
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.
Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, said: “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 the winners and a huge thank you.”
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “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.”
Nominations open for 2025
Do you know an inspiring educator? Entries are now open for the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. Submissions can be made through the Pearson National Teaching Awards website.