Inspirational Teacher Wins National Teaching Award

Churcher's College English teacher and Assistant Head of Nelson House, Penny Daniel, has been recognised with a Silver Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School in this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards. Chosen from thousands of nominees, they will now be in with the chance of winning the highly desired Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

Penny is the beating heart of Churcher’s College — a teacher whose boundless energy, creativity and compassion make her truly exceptional. Previously school librarian, she now teaches English with unmatched dedication, inspiring a love of reading and writing in every student. A published author of the Lollypop series — shortlisted for The Sunday Times Book of the Week — Penny brings storytelling to life. She also co-leads the school’s World Challenge expeditions, where pupils and staff volunteer in places as far-reaching as Zambia, Poland, Mozambique and Bolivia, such as in a respite centre for children with severe disabilities. She additionally organises unforgettable charity events (including 24-hour shopping trolley pushes for Dementia UK), runs the public speaking team (recent national finalists), chairs Book Club, and curates an annual community lecture series. Penny’s infectious personality and heart of gold shape everything she does. She gives tirelessly to literature, education and charity — and deserves to be celebrated.

Penny is one of 94 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions recognised as a silver winner in this year’s awards for the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people.

The announcement follows tributes from celebrities, students and schools across the UK as they said thank you to all those who work in education to mark National Thank a Teacher Day.

Celebrating the whole education community, 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.

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 - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. That’s why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do.

"I’m also delighted to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners. Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. Thank you for the difference you make every single day."

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says: “Every day, educators across the UK go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future generation. Today, we proudly recognise those making an extraordinary impact. Our Silver Award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements. Congratulations to all of this year’s Silver winners!”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says: "On Thank a Teacher Day, I want to celebrate the remarkable professionals who are the backbone of our education system. Brilliant teachers make the single biggest difference to a child’s education.

"I've experienced first-hand how a great teacher can make all the difference. Teachers don't just deliver lessons – they transform lives, inspire curiosity, and build the confidence our children need to succeed. For this incredible commitment to our nation's future, we owe our teachers our deepest gratitude."

Dr Elise Ecoff, Chief Education Officer at Nord Anglia Education, Sponsor of the Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, says: “Teaching in a secondary school is one of the most challenging but rewarding roles in education. That’s why Nord Anglia Education is proud to sponsor The Award for  Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School. Your dedication has made an extrordinary difference. Thank you for the vital role you play in shaping the futures of young people, and congratulations on this well deserved recognition.”

Further information:

Another Word Communications

Email: [email protected]

Lynda Redington: 07946 355547

About the Awards:

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are open to every early years setting, school and college across the UK. The awards were established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 and are managed by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity. The vision of the charity is to recognise and celebrate the impact of education across the UK. It does this through its public-facing ‘Thank A Teacher’ campaign www.thankateacher.co.uk, and through the Pearson National Teaching Awards www.teachingawards.com #teachingawards #thankateacher

About Pearson:

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

About Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s best-loved writers for children. With a writing career that spans four decades, he has written over 100 books, selling more than 5 million copies in the UK and over 35 million worldwide. A former Children’s Laureate, Michael has won countless prizes, including the Smarties prize, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Whitbread Award, and was awarded an OBE for Services to Literature. Michael was also awarded an MBE in 1999, along with his wife Clare, in recognition of their work in founding Farms For City Children, a charity that has enabled 100,000 children to visit the charity’s three farms over the last 40 years. 

The 2025 Pearson National Teaching Award Categories are: