Dewsbury teachers tipped for success at 'Education Oscars'

Both Peter Simons, from Thornhill Junior and Infant School, and Rebecca Price, from Diamond Wood Community Academy, were nominated for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School.

Selected from thousands of nominations, the two teachers have been shortlisted for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards, with entries closing on February 28.

Ms Price said: “I'm very humbled to be nominated for this award.

"It came as a big surprise but a very lovely one."

Ms Price has led a number of initiatives across the school in a bid to make sure her pupils have every opportunity to reach their full potential, and has been instrumental in improving school standards.

She has done this despite suffering a number of health issues which could easily have put her in hospital for extended periods of time, but instead she worked with local nurses to integrate her health care with school life.

"I really love my job and feel so lucky to be able to continue working full time with my illnesses," she said.

"It is only possible because of the immense amount of support I have from my employees and colleagues.

"They go above and beyond to support me and it is very much appreciated."

Mr Simons is central to the school’s music provision, in which every child learns to play ten different musical instruments.

"He works at a frenetic pace to ensure every pupil gets the most out of their opportunities and so succeeds in making sure the entire school is filled with children gaining a massive range of musical experiences.

Michael Rowland, Headteacher at Thornhill Junior and Infant School, said: “Our hearts are brimming with pride that Mr Simons (Our Music teacher) has been shortlisted for this award.

"Music is the life blood of our school and in these very challenging times, it will help us all to get through this together.”

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 well-being 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.”

Diamond Wood Community Academy, which has also been nominated for The Award for Making a Difference - Primary School of the Year, is the heart of the community, where children feel appreciated and their achievements are celebrated.

The school is particularly proud of its success with disadvantaged pupils, who leave school achieving better results than the national average for all pupils.

Their progress is outstanding, often scoring far above national averages.

The three entries are on the 87-strong shortlist to be Silver Award winners.

They 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: www.thankateacher.co.uk