Suffolk, 19 June 2024: Director of Music, Edward (Ed) Allen from the Royal Hospital School (RHS) has been recognised with a Silver Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. Selected from thousands of nominees, the win highlights the remarkable impact Ed has had on shaping the lives of the young people while teaching music at RHS.
Ed was selected as a Silver Award winner as a result of his remarkable dedication and passion for education. His genuine love for teaching, coupled with a profound desire to inspire both pupils and colleagues, sets him apart. When asked if Ed should win the award, pupil Jack said: “Mr Allen is always positive. He has a great personality and can play anything! He’s great to be around.” Bethany (RHS pupil) noted, “He has endless knowledge and is always enthusiastic,” while Mathilda, the head girl, described him as a favourite teacher, treating pupils as equals and possessing a true passion for teaching. Colleague Brian Martineau praised Ed’s demeanour, saying, “Ed is always very calm and he creates a warm and collaborative environment.. there’s never any stress evident. Pupils remain calm during performances due to his collected and friendly nature. Ed’s joyful, passionate, enthusiastic and vibrant approach to education leaves a lasting impact on all those he teaches and works with. He is a great educator who shares good practice with other staff from across the school.”
Ed is one of 102 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions named as Silver Award winners in this year’s awards. They will now be in the running for the coveted Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony later in the year.
The announcement comes as celebrities, students and schools across the UK are today paying tribute to all those who work in education to mark National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the whole education community and shines a light on the exceptional impact they have on shaping young lives.
RHS will be surprising Ed by presenting him with his Silver Award at a Chapel service during choir practice on campus at 17:45 on National Thank a Teacher Day (19th June) to celebrate his achievement among pupils and colleagues.
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 earlyyears educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
Ed Allen, commented on his silver win, saying: “I am deeply honoured to be a Silver Award winner and to have made it to the next judging round. This acknowledgement is a reflection of the incredible support and collaboration within the RHS community. Teaching music is so much more than just notes on a page; it’s about inspiring young minds and fostering a love for creativity and expression. I am grateful for the opportunity to support our young people on their creative journeys every day.”
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond. That’s why it is important for us to take a moment on this National Thank a Teacher Day to recognise their efforts.
“I am also thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation – thank you!”
Dr Elise Ecoff, Chief Education Officer at Nord Anglia Education, Sponsor of the Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, says: “Sponsoring the ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ award allows us to recognise the extraordinary educators who go above and beyond to inspire their students. We’re delighted to celebrate the passion and excellence of this year’s Silver Award recipients and to celebrate their remarkable work in shaping students’ futures.”
Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, says: “We’re delighted to recognise this year’s Silver Award winners on their outstanding achievements. The contributions they make and the impact they have on young people’s lives every day is truly exceptional. We’re extremely proud to support the National Teaching Awards and mark the achievements of all of our very worthy winners. Thank you for your continued work and congratulations!!”
The selection of Gold winners will be announced during a week-long celebration of the National Teaching Awards on BBC’s The One Show in November where a selection of winners will be announced throughout the week.
Categories: Royal Hospital School School News
