Member Article

Two inspiring Focus-Trust teachers officially collect 2020 Pearson National Teaching Awards

Lyndhurst and Thornhill teachers take home silver awards

Making the cut against thousands of nominations across the UK, Peter Simons and Kate Woodard were two of just 76 silver award winners in 2020. Peter took home the Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School, while Kate brought back the Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year after a year’s wait due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Peter Simons, from Thornhill Junior and Infant School and Boothroyd Primary Academy, has been outstanding in ensuring pupils have the best there is to offer in terms of music provision.

At both schools, every child learns to play several different musical instruments on top of partaking in a range of clubs, activities and events. Peter has assured that the children are provided with a music curriculum that enriches their lives beyond measure.

Kate Woodward, from Lyndhurst Primary and Nursery School, quickly became a ‘fantastic teacher’ and lead the school in History and Geography during a time of major change. Key in the development of the mastery of maths curriculum, Kate has also organised an after-school club in which pupils can discuss social issues in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

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

The postponed 2020 celebration dinner took place on the 24th of September at the Marriot Grosvenor Square Hotel, for those who were unable to be honoured in person last year due to the pandemic. The evening was attended by some of the top leaders in education, including Baroness Sue Campbell.

Commenting on the achievement, Peter Simons said: “I think it has finally sunk in, after attending the celebration evening, that I have really won the award. It is an absolute pleasure to have achieved this award.”

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the amazing teaching staff I work with, as well as of course the students, who have all taken to every opportunity they are presented with.”

Commenting on her award, Kate Woodward said: “Never did I expect to be honoured with such an award so early into my career, it feels amazing to see the work you have put into enriching all your student’s educations be recognised nationally.

“And to be recognised at such a wonderful evening made it feel even better, a big thank you to all the teaching staff at Lyndhurst who have supported me, and of course the wonderful students.”

Both schools form part of the Focus Academy Trust – a charitable primary schools trust which is based in the North West of England and West Yorkshire with a vision of providing great schools at the heart of communities where children thrive, achieve and succeed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Isabella Storey .