A Newport teacher has been named as one of the nation’s most inspirational educators on The One Show on BBC One. Selected from thousands of nominations, Abigail Chase has won a Gold Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards for The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School.
The award came as part of a week-long celebration of teaching which will end this Sunday at a prestigious ceremony celebrating all 102 Silver Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards. At the ceremony, Abigail Chase will be honoured alongside their fellow Gold Winners across 15 categories as the best of the UK’s educators.
As Teacher of English and Associate Headteacher for Pedagogy and Reflective Practice, Abigail inspires the whole school community with her infectious passion for learning and genuine care for pupils’ wellbeing.
Seen as an outstanding practitioner in every regard, Abigail ‘makes a difference’ every day not just to the pupils who she teaches but to the staff who are guided, mentored and coached by her. Abigail embodies to her core everything teachers should aspire to in the way she sets the highest expectations for herself and those around her; she will never give up on anyone or anything!
The Pearson National Teaching Award winners have been honoured for their incredible work supporting learners across the country. Each award winner has repeatedly gone above and beyond their role to change the lives of their students and help them move towards a brighter future.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. The 2022 Pearson National Teaching Awards open for entry on Friday 26 November 2021.
Abigail Chase said:
‘I feel completely overwhelmed by this whole experience; it has been so special and something I will always treasure. I am so lucky to work every day in a profession I love, alongside the most inspiring and brilliant young people. I have to say a massive thank you to all of our pupils and staff at Bassaleg School – they really are incredible.’
Sir Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:
“People of all ages will always remember that wonderful teacher who made such a difference in their lives. The teacher will never know how many lives they have changed, or the impact they have made on so many families, but our hope is that these awards help show our gratitude.”
Sharon Hague, Managing Director of Pearson School Qualifications, said:
“Abigail Chase is a shining example of the wonderful educators who work tirelessly across the country to provide the best possible experience for their students, and we thank them all.
“Throughout the awards we’ve heard so many inspirational stories of school and college staff who show such exceptional dedication to their students, to their colleagues, and to their communities. Our congratulations go to all winners on their award.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:
“I would like to congratulate Abigail Chase for this recognition of their amazing work and dedication to their students. Winning one of these awards is a terrific achievement and is testament to Abigail’s skill, commitment and passion for teaching.
“We are lucky enough to have some of the best teachers in the world and I would like to thank every single one of our education staff for their hard work supporting children and young people, especially during the pandemic.”
Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer, Nord Anglia Education, supporter of The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, said:
“Congratulations to Abigail Chase on this outstanding achievement. Her many accomplishments are testament to her drive and commitment to helping students achieve their full potential. We’re proud to be supporting the Teaching Awards which recognise and celebrate the tremendous contribution teachers make to young peoples’ lives.”
