Barton Clough wins prestigious national teaching award

Barton Clough Primary School has been named a Silver Award winner in the Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year category at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, recognising its work to transform the life chances of pupils and make a lasting impact in its local community.

The school has been recognised for its inclusive culture, high expectations and strong sense of care, where children are supported to thrive both academically and personally. Pupils are encouraged to be confident, ambitious and proud of their achievements within a nurturing environment where they feel valued and belong.

Through a broad range of opportunities and strong partnerships with families, Barton Clough continues to strengthen outcomes for pupils and is highly valued as a key part of the local community.

Jess Bennion, Interim Principal, said: “We are proud to be a school where every child is supported to achieve their very best, and where families and the wider community feel valued and included. This recognition reflects the high standards, care and ambition that underpin everything we do.”

Barton Clough is among 99 teachers, leaders, support staff and education settings nationally recognised as Silver Winners this year on National Thank a Teacher Day, celebrating their dedication and impact.

The school will now be in with the chance of winning a Gold Award, to be announced at a ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year. The news comes amid growing excitement for the school’s redevelopment, which you can read more about here.

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 and shine a spotlight on those who inspire young people every day.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.

“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy, and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating. Thank you for the dedication you show every single day”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says: “For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood. We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special. This year’s Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country, and we’re delighted to be celebrating them today. Congratulations to every Silver Winner!”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says: “On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms. “I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives.”