Luton assistant headteacher shortlisted for national teaching award

An assistant headteacher from a school in Luton has been shortlisted for a Pearson National Teaching award.

Nicola Ponsonby, assistant headteacher at Challney High School for Girls, is one of 87 shortlisted nominees from lecturers, school staff and schools who have been entered for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

She was nominated for her dynamic approach to developing women of the future within her classroom and along the corridors of her school, she is also recognised for her energy and social awareness that makes her the ‘heartbeat’ of the school both academically and pastorally.

Nicola is 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’.

Steve Munby, Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “Congratulations to Nicola Ponsonby and 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.”

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.

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Our teachers in the UK are unsung heroes. In this crisis, many are working in schools with vulnerable children, and those that aren’t, are working hard to enable learning to continue in incredibly challenging circumstances.

"They deserve our deep gratitude and recognition. Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and all school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award.

"I’m proud that The Pearson National Teaching Awards recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication - and heroism.”

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/.

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