Hayley Hanson, a teaching assistant at Brays School in Sheldon, has been named a Silver Winner and finalist in the Teaching Assistant of the Year category at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026. The award recognizes her exceptional contribution to pupils, colleagues, and the wider Brays School community.
Celebration on National Thank a Teacher Day
Colleagues and pupils at Brays School celebrated Hayley's success on National Thank a Teacher Day. The school, part of Forward Education Trust, is a special day school in Sheldon where staff work closely with pupils, families, and carers to help every child reach their potential.
Hayley is among outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and education settings honored as Silver Winners in this year's awards, in recognition of their dedication and impact.
Chance to Win Gold Award
Hayley will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious Gold award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in London and on BBC One's 'The One Show' later this year.
The Brays School community celebrated Hayley's achievement with pupils, families, colleagues, and local representatives invited to share in the moment.
Headteacher's Praise
Kari Anson, headteacher at Brays School, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Hayley has been recognised as a Silver Winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. Hayley brings positivity, creativity, playfulness, patience, skill, and warmth to her work every day, and this recognition is so well deserved. At Brays, our pupils are at the heart of everything we do, and Hayley's commitment to helping them feel supported, understood, and able to flourish is something we are incredibly proud of."
About the Awards
National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established more than 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education and shine a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools, and early years educators play in inspiring young people every day.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children's Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, commented: "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable."
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, added: "Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be."
