Wakefield academy trust wins big at Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust, which runs more than 30 academies across Wakefield and beyond, was awarded the Silver Award in the annual Pearson National Teaching Awards for their work in creating the Outwood Primary Diploma.

The diploma offers primary school students of all backgrounds the chance to enhance and extend their academic progress with a series of activities throughout the year.

Lee Wilson, Primary Chief Executive at Outwood, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Silver Award in The Award for Impact through Partnership. At Outwood, we believe in putting children first, raising standards and transforming lives and we believe that this award recognises our work towards that vision.

“It also really reflects the brilliant dedication of all our hard working staff that are tireless in their efforts to ensure our children are supported, both academically and emotionally, to become good citizens that can contribute to their local communities once they leave us.”

The Trust is now in the running for one of the Gold Awards, which recognise excellence in education and will be awarded later in the year.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards was founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, and serves as an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with.

This year marks its 22nd year of celebrating award-winning teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and lecturers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “Over the past year, we have, all of us, come to appreciate and respect the value of teachers. They have so often been taken for granted. Not any more. Parents know now what it takes to teach, and teach well, and how much commitment, dedication and enthusiasm and knowledge and understanding, yes – and patience.

“Children know it too, if they didn’t before. So many missed their teachers as well as their friends. We all honour them today. Let’s now praise them, wish them well and above all, thank them.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to all of our Silver Award winners for their commitment, dedication and passion for their work. Despite the incredible challenges they have faced over the past few months, school staff have risen to the occasion time and again.

“It is so important to recognise and celebrate teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers for the impact they have on our young people every year, and that is why Pearson is delighted to support these Awards.”