INSPIRATIONAL WELSH TEACHERS HONOURED IN PRESTIGIOUS UK CELEBRATION OF TEACHING

++ Clwyd Community Primary School headteacher wins Silver Award in The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School ++

++ Caegarw Primary School teacher wins Silver Award in The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School ++

++ Steven Brown and Nicola Richards honoured on national Thank a Teacher Day as the country celebrates the people who make our schools so special ++   

Today, 26 May,Steven Brown, Headteacher at Clwyd Community Primary School, and Nicola Richards, Deputy Headteacher at Caegarw Primary School have been named as two of 80 Pearson National Teaching Award Silver Award winners across the country. Steven Brown is honoured with a Silver Award in The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School, while Nicola Richards won The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary Schoolfor their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.

Steven Brown has developed the community aspect of this Swansea school by encouraging parents and the community to come together to benefit all pupils. His aim was always to promote change, breaking the cycle of unemployment by changing children’s attitudes towards work through enterprising projects. He has encouraged regular enterprise projects including school coffee shops, pop-up shop, and an enterprise club run by Steve himself. His hands-on, positive attitude and encouragement have ensured that all staff were on board with his vision. Yet through his modesty, he credits all the staff for their hard work without acknowledging ‘that we all work so hard because of Steve’.

Nicola Richards is an inspirational teacher who places staff and pupil wellbeing at the heart of the whole school curriculum. She firmly believes that a happy school is a learning school. Her sunny and positive approach to school life is infectious, and she is a much-loved member of staff. Her can-do delivery of the curriculum ensures that each child reaches their full potential through memorable, engaging, exciting and rich child-led learning experiences.

Above everything, Nicola values her relationships with the learners. Her holistic and cheerful approach to education is a significant factor in the success of her pupils.

As Silver Award winners, they have both been shortlisted to win two of just 16 Gold Awards later in the year. Recognition of this once in a lifetime achievement will be broadcast on the BBC’s The One Show as part of a week-long celebration of teaching, which sees famous faces honour award winners every night in the run up to the ceremony. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional school leaders and teachers who have worked wonders to bring together their local communities despite the challenges of the past few years. 

The Silver Award winners are being honoured as part of the wider celebrations for national ‘Thank a Teacher Day’, bringing together everyone across the country to celebrate the schools and colleges at the heart of our communities. 

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. This year marks its 23rd year of celebrating our school teaching staff across the UK. 

Paul Matthias, National Director at Hays Education, who sponsor The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School, said:

“Working in placing thousands of education professionals across the country – we know that the right school leader is essential to the success of a school and the wellbeing of its students. Steven Brown received one of the highest accolades a head can receive, and it’s obvious from the feedback how much he deserves it”

Sadie Besley, senior director of operations at Randstad Education, who sponsor The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School said:

“The last few years have shown us how crucial schools are to the communities they serve. Teachers all over the country are giving such amazing support to their students day in, and day out. That’s why it’s such an incredible achievement for Nicola Richards to win this award in such a strong field of entries. 

“At Randstad we are so pleased to support these Awards to recognise the incredible work that teachers do in these most difficult of times. Schools deserve so much praise, and I am delighted that we can take this day to honour the hard work of every educator.”

Sharon Hague, Managing Director of Schools at Pearson UK, said:

“Congratulations to today’s Silver Award winners on their incredible achievement, they should all feel very proud of themselves. And thank you to all the incredible educators and support staff across this country who really do make our schools and colleges so special. I am delighted that we can take this opportunity to say how much we appreciate all that you do for the young people in your care.” 

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:

“Congratulations to Steven Brown and Nicola Richards on this incredible achievement, and for the hard work and dedication which led up to it. Winning this award is impressive, well-deserved and shows Steven and Nicola’s commitment to helping students achieve their full potential.”

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

“For so many of us, it was someone at school who changed our lives, was at our side through hard and difficult times, who lifted us up when we were down, helped us find our voice, gave us confidence when we needed it most, and set us on a path that we have followed ever since. 

“No matter who we are, school has touched our lives and played a central role in our childhoods. School is about so much more than learning, and we see that now more than ever before. Schools really are the beating heart of our communities. Every person that cares for our children in schools should be celebrated loud and clear on Thank A Teacher Day 2022.”