At a time when schools are doing more than ever to support their communities, teachers across the country have discovered they have been shortlisted for Education’s Oscars.

Selected from thousands of nominations, the ̨��swag Primary Academies team are one entry out of 87 extraordinary teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been entered for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. 

The ̨��swag Primary Academies Team were nominated for a Silver Award in the Impact through Partnership category.

The team have worked collaboratively across ten academies to develop the ̨��swag Primary Diploma – accessed by all children within the schools and achieved through the completion of six annual challenges. 

This is designed to provide opportunities for all children, regardless of background, to access high quality opportunities that develop life skills and qualities. 

The six commitments are: 

• To keep myself and others safe

• To lead a health and active lifestyle

• To actively contribute to my community

• To be a good British and international citizen

• To have high aspirations and skills for adult life

• To protect and respect the environment.

Lee Wilson, Chief Executive of ̨��swag Primary, said:

“We are delighted and honoured to have been shortlisted for the Silver Award in the Impact through Partnership category.

“At ̨��swag, we work tirelessly to put Children First, raise standards and transform lives. That is why our Diploma work goes beyond the academic accountability of our academies, but instead focuses on what the entire academy community wants our future generations to be committed to.

“This nomination and shortlisting is recognition of that work and just gives us confidence to keep going and keep trying to better ourselves.”

The team are in the running to be one of the Silver Award winners. These will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards which will be announced at the televised UK ceremony later in the year, broadcast on the BBC as ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’.  

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach. 

Pupils and parents can show their appreciation for their amazing teachers, who are supporting children across the country in incredibly challenging conditions, by sending them a Thank You card for free via the Thank a Teacher campaign at https://thankateacher.co.uk/.

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award. 

“At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you. At Pearson we are delighted to support these Awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion.” 

Steve Munby, Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “Congratulations to all of the amazing staff in the running to win a Silver Award. This is fair recognition of the outstanding job they are doing and their efforts in going well beyond their role to make sure their students get every chance in life. 

“Now more than ever is the time to appreciate our teachers and the fantastic work they are doing. I am honoured to be part of these Awards and to play my part in acknowledging teachers for the incredible job they do.”