National winners announced for 2007
Cheers, whoops of joy and loud applause filled the London Palladium as eleven inspirational individuals were named as national winners of the 2007 Teaching Awards.
Attending the nation’s biggest celebration of excellence in education before a 2000-strong audience, the winners represented outstanding teachers, headteachers, teaching assistants, governors and schools.
Each received a gleaming Plato – the Oscars for teachers - from famous names including Sam and Mark from CBBC, Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Deborah Meaden from Dragons’ Den, Kate Garraway and Anton du Beke currently starring in Strictly Come Dancing, Dame Kelly Holmes, Moira Stewart, Nicki Chapman, Matt Willis and Elisabeth Sladen.
Broadcast on primetime television – BBC2 at 6pm - the ceremony was hosted by Jeremy Vine and Kate Thornton, former X-Factor presenter. “A brilliant teacher can change the course of your life,” said Kate, recalling Mr Pugh, her English and drama teacher who helped her “make dreams come true”.
“He encouraged me to develop my writing skills and was one of the first people who told me I could be anything I wanted to be, as long as I was prepared to work hard.
“Teachers’ contribution to society is immeasurable - each and every one of us has been shaped by the way we were educated. “It’s a real honour to be involved in an award show that acknowledges the work of the UK’s best teaching talent. Teachers are the unsung heroes of our society and we’re making sure their hard work and dedication doesn’t go un-noticed!”
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families who presented the DCSF Award for Sustainable School said: “I am delighted to add my voice to the thousands of others saying “thank you” to inspirational teachers, teaching assistants and school governors at the Teaching Awards national ceremony for 2007.
“Teachers are at the heart of their schools and communities and they are central in ensuring that young people achieve their potential. It is crucial work which deserves recognition at the very highest level.
“I’d like to send my warmest congratulations to all Teaching Award winners, and the whole profession who are represented so well at the UK ceremony.”
For a full list of national winners and to see why these individuals have been recognised go to http://www.teachingawards.com/winners/list
