Trowbridge teacher Gemma Bradshaw from Holbrook Primary School has been recognised with a Silver Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Selected from thousands of nominees, the win highlights the remarkable impact they have on shaping the lives of the young people in their care.
Gemma has been recognised not only for her brilliant teaching but also the difference she has made outside of the classroom where she leads children to dance and perform in front of audiences at the Bath Forum. She also works closely with The Mill St Club in Trowbridge, which is a day centre for people with Alzheimer’s. Gemma takes groups of children there throughout the year which gives the pupils and club members joyous memorable experiences.
Gemma is described by colleagues as a ‘shining light’ and received many testimonials from parents of Holbrook pupils following her nomination. Holbrook Primary School Headteacher, Vicki Cottrell said, “I am incredibly proud of Gemma and indeed the whole team at Holbrook. Gemma goes above and beyond every day for our pupils and her passion for dance and the arts shines through. We highly value her infectious smile and bubbly nature!”
Gemma is one of 102 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions named as silver winners in this year’s awards. They will now be in the running for the coveted Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony later in the year.
The announcement comes as celebrities, students and schools across the UK are today paying tribute to all those who work in education to mark National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the whole education community and shines a light on the exceptional impact they have on shaping young lives.
National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said, “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond. That’s why it is important for us to take a moment on this National Thank a Teacher Day to recognise their efforts.
“I am also thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation. Thank you!”
Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, added, “We’re delighted to recognise this year’s Silver Award winners on their outstanding achievements. The contributions they make and the impact they have on young people’s lives every day is truly exceptional. We’re extremely proud to support the National Teaching Awards and mark the achievements of all of our very worthy winners. Thank you for your continued work and congratulations!”