Rochdale educators from Hopwood Hall College and University Centre have been recognised with a Silver Award for FE Team of the Year 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. Hopwood Hall’s Quality Team learned they had picked up the prize when the results were announced on National Thank A Teacher Day on Wednesday, June 19. The team 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. In addition, Karen Lea, the college’s Assistant Principal for Vocational and Foundation Learning, was named a Bronze winner in Unsung Hero category.
Karen has been intrinsic in promoting culture and creative industries across the Borough of Rochdale. 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.
Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, says: “This is an incredible achievement for our fabulous Quality Team! Throughout the year they work tirelessly to ensure the highest standards for all members of our college community. “This Silver Award is great recognition of the positive impact they make and all the ways they contribute to making Hopwood Hall such a brilliant place to teach, learn and work.
“We’ll now all be rooting for them to achieve the Gold Award because they certainly deserve it!”
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “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, says: “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!!”
