Wakefield winning teacher heading to 'Oscars' of the teaching profession

A local primary school teacher will be heading to London for the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards annual glamorous awards ceremony will be taking place on 29 November, where teachers, lecturers, support staff and institutions from across the country will gather to celebrate the incredible impact that educators have on young lives.

Gosia Watts of Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill, Wakefield, was announced as a Silver Award winner for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School earlier this year and is now in the running for Gold.

Originally from Poland, Gosia arrived in the UK with the ambition of becoming a primary teacher. Since joining the academy in 2018, when the school became part of the Outwood Family, she has become an invaluable member of the community. Gosia serves as a fantastic role model for the diverse student body, which collectively speaks an incredible 59 languages, and is a relentless pillar of positivity for all her colleagues.

The glittering ceremony will be hosted at The Brewery in Central London and will be hosted by BBC presenter, Gaby Roslin.

For over a quarter of a century, the Pearson National Teaching Awards have celebrated the unsung heroes of education. Established and run by the Teaching Awards Trust, the awards highlight the extraordinary difference made every day by teachers, early years educators and support staff.

Mary Palmer, CEO of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“Every educator deserves acknowledgement for the exceptional impact they have in both their classrooms and the wider community, every day. Our annual Teaching Awards offer the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the incredible work of our educators, those who not only provide young people with knowledge but also with values and life lessons that shape who they become. We congratulate all of this year’s winners and wish them the very best ahead of the UK ceremony.”