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18 June 2025:   Ms Jude Gray, Headteacher and Mrs Amy Shaw, SENco from Wath Central Primary School have been recognised with a Silver Award for School or College Partnership of the Year in this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards for their inspiring work with Mrs Gaughan, Strategic Lead for SEND and Inclusion from JMAT (James Montgomery Academy Trust) to transform inclusion in school. Chosen from thousands of nominees, they will now be in with the chance of winning the highly desired Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

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The partnership between Wath Central, JMAT and the wider disciplinary team has transformed the culture of the school and enabled reflective and inquiry practice at every level, through which the staff team explore creative solutions to the challenges faced by schools and the relentless pressure to meet the complexity of needs.  This is a school which is not afraid to make brave and bold decisions to benefit their children and challenge established practice. Ms Gray states, ‘This is an exciting time for Wath Central. We are passionate about genuine and successful inclusion at every level, embedded at the core of everything they do – no bolt ons, no separate vision, just a cohesive offer and opportunity for all. We are ever evolving and improving due to the depth of inquiry, the expertise of staff and the strength of local and national partnerships and research’.

 

Wath Central is one of 93 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions recognised as a silver winner in this year’s awards for the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people.

The announcement follows tributes from celebrities, students and schools across the UK as they say thank you to all those who work in education to mark National Thank a Teacher Day.

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Celebrating the whole education community, National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

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Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. That’s why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do.

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"I’m also delighted to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners. Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. Thank you for the difference you make every single day."

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Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says: “Every day, educators across the UK go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future generation. Today, we proudly recognise those making an extraordinary impact. Our Silver Award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements. Congratulations to all of this year’s Silver winners!”

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Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says: "On Thank a Teacher Day, I want to celebrate the remarkable professionals who are the backbone of our education system. Brilliant teachers make the single biggest difference to a child’s education.

"I've experienced first-hand how a great teacher can make all the difference. Teachers don't just deliver lessons – they transform lives, inspire curiosity, and build the confidence our children need to succeed. For this incredible commitment to our nation's future, we owe our teachers our deepest gratitude."

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Rachel Johnson, CEO, PiXL, Sponsor of The Award for School or College Partnership of the Year says: “Collaboration is an essential driver of innovation in education, opening up access to new ideas, sharing best practices, and creating richer learning experiences. This year’s Silver Award winners have shown how powerful partnerships can be, leading with vision and purpose to provide exceptional opportunities for their pupils. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition."