2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards: Wakefield teacher features on BBC's The One Show

Gosia Watts, a teacher at Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill, was revealed as the Gold Winner of the Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School on The One Show ahead of an awards ceremony this weekend.

Gosia was surprised with the news of her win by Sabre from Gladiators, and, in recognition of her passion for gardening, received a special message from Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don.

She was selected from thousands of nominees for the award, which recognises her exceptional contribution to students and the wider community.

Gosia, who is originally from Poland, began working in the UK in factories before realising her dream of becoming a teacher.

She is now Assistant Principal at the school, where she has created a forest school and sensory garden to support pupils with SEN and led creative projects that have seen her class’s artwork exhibited in the National Gallery.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 29 at The Brewery in London, and will be hosted by broadcaster Gaby Roslin.

Special guests will include Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Sharon Hague, CEO, Pearson UK, said: “Behind every confident student or changed life, there’s an educator who made it possible.

“The Pearson National Teaching Awards shines a spotlight on the inspiring individuals whose influence has gone far beyond the classroom.

“This is a celebration of excellence at the highest level, and we are thrilled to be able to recognise these achievements. Congratulations to all of this year’s Gold winners.”

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Teachers and school staff are the heart of our education system, inspiring young people and helping them to achieve and thrive.

“These awards are a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact great educators have, because the path to national renewal runs through our schools.

“My warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees – your hard work, care, and commitment shape futures, and I’m proud to work with you to break down barriers to opportunity.”

Sadie Besley, Divisional Managing Director at Professional Talent Solutions UK and Ireland at Randstad, Sponsor of The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School said: “A truly great primary school teacher builds more than knowledge; they build confident learners and strong communities.

“Gosia’s work is a powerful example of this in action. Their commitment has left an indelible mark not just on their pupils, but on the entire fabric of the school and its community.

“All of us at Randstad are thrilled to see such a profoundly deserving winner receive this recognition. Congratulations, Gosia.”

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “Education is built on the steady, often unseen work of dedicated individuals – teachers and school staff who show up every day to make a difference.

“The Pearson National Teaching Awards give us the chance to recognise and celebrate that commitment.

“This year’s entries were, once again, full of powerful stories of creativity and care. My congratulations to all of this year’s winners, you remind us what a vital role education plays in shaping lives and futures.”