A local secondary school has been recognised with a Silver award for its remarkable impact on students and the wider community. Oulder Hill Leadership Academy, located in Rochdale, received the honour in the Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year category at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. Staff and teams across the school were also acknowledged in this year’s awards, highlighting the exceptional talent, dedication, and expertise that underpin the school’s success.
Transformation Since Joining Star Academies
The academy has undergone a significant transformation since it became part of Star Academies four years ago. Serving a richly diverse community, the school has achieved its best Ofsted rating in 14 years, risen from 11th to second place in the local authority for academic performance, and dramatically improved outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Today, 99 per cent of pupils progress to positive destinations, reflecting the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and opportunity for all.
Recognition on National Thank a Teacher Day
Oulder Hill Leadership Academy is among a select group of outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and education settings honoured as Silver Winners in this year’s awards on National Thank a Teacher Day, in recognition of their dedication and impact.
Adi Smale, principal at Oulder Hill Leadership Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition. This award reflects the dedication, ambition and hard work of our staff, pupils, families and wider community, who have worked together to transform our school. Every young person deserves an exceptional education and the opportunity to succeed, and this award is a celebration of the remarkable progress our pupils achieve every day.”
Individual Staff Achievements
Alongside the main accolade, a number of school colleagues were also recognised for their individual achievements. Among those honoured were:
- Alison Ward, teacher of PE, received a Bronze Award for Lifetime Achievement.
- Harry Bardsley, director of learning, creative, received a Bronze Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School.
- Ben Green, teacher of maths, received a Bronze Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year.
Further recognition went to the school’s SEND team, which received a Certificate of Achievement for SEND and Inclusive Practice. Teacher of PE, Sarah Coley, and director of learning, science, Rhys Roberts, both received Certificates of Achievement for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, while teacher of English and KS3 standards lead, Lucy Kershaw, received a Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year. Reflection room manager, Fiona Smith, was also highly commended in the Unsung Hero category.
Celebrating the Transformative Impact of Education
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. The charity shines a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people every single day.
Joshua Cronin, education partnerships director at Step into Teaching, sponsor of The Award for Making a Difference - Secondary School of the Year, commented: “We are delighted to celebrate this year's Silver Award winners for their dedication, leadership and determination, ensuring students achieve their full potential. Creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive is no small feat. Congratulations on this richly deserved recognition.”
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, added: “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 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, continued: “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, said: “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.”
Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester
