Bolton St Catherine’s Academy teacher honoured with Pearson Award

Rachael Robinson, from Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, has been named a Silver Award winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards in the Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School category.

She was recognised for her commitment to helping pupils achieve their full potential.

Ms Robinson is now in the running for the national Gold award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

She was nominated for the award by pupils past and present, as well as colleagues and parents, all of whom praised her “fantastic” teaching and impact in the classroom.

She is one of 99 educators honoured as Silver winners on National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the work of teachers and the positive difference they make every day.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable.

“Their influence extends well beyond the classroom.

“Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all.

“That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important.

“It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.

“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver award winners.

“In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating.”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, also paid tribute to this year’s winners.

Ms Hague said: “For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of.

“Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood.

“We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special.”

Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education, said: “On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms.

“I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives.”