  LONDON EDUCATORS RECOGNISED IN PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARDSÂ
Five educators and schools from across have been announced as Gold Winners at the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards, considered the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession.
Surrey Square Primary School was announced as the Gold Winner of the Award for Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year. Surrey Square is ‘more than a school’. With values and wellbeing at its core, it has developed impactful initiatives centred around the challenges which impact the whole community, from a Saturday marketplace and youth club to a community restaurant that serves local families. The school also supports parents with housing, immigration and parenting classes. This holistic approach is reflected in student success, with the percentage of pupils considered on track with their development rising from 26% in nursery to 85% by graduation.
Meanwhile, Dawn Ferdinand, Headteacher of The Willow Primary School in Tottenham, was named the Gold Winner of the Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School, recognising her dedication to supporting vulnerable students and relentlessly pursuing educational equality (see full list of London-based winners below).
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 leading 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.
During the glittering awards ceremony 16 outstanding educators were recognised as Gold Award Winners in their respective categories. Held at the Brewery in Central London and hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin, the evening brought together Silver Winners, industry peers, colleagues and special guests to share experiences and celebrate their achievements. The night capped off a week of coverage on BBC’s The One Show, celebrating the awards.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says:Â “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 and Qualifications at Pearson UK, says:Â “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.”
Secretary of State for Education, 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 now an opportunity for educators across the country to be recognised in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. Entries are open and submissions can be made through the Pearson National Teaching Awards website.
The 2024 Pearson National Teaching Award London-based Gold Winners are:
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Featured Photo by Marco J Haenssgen on Unsplash.
