Staff at St Michael’s Church of England High School are celebrating after winning a Pearson National Teaching Silver Award for Making a Difference. 

St Michael’s, based in Sandwell; it is the only Anglican Secondary school in the borough and one of only two in Birmingham. Headteacher, Christina Handy-Rivett, said:

“I am extremely proud of Student Voice and the plethora of student-led initiatives in school. I am elated that our student-centred approach to making a difference for the community has been recognised through receiving this prestigious award.”

St Michael’s Church of England High School has now been shortlisted to win one of just 16 Gold Awards, which will be announced and celebrated at a gala ceremony in London on 25 November and televised on the BBC, with winners showcased on The One Show.

The honours were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, an annual event celebrating the role of educators across the UK for the valued role they play in communities and shaping young people.

This year, students were joined by celebrities including Sir Michael Morpurgo, Edith Bowman, Bobby Seagull, Ore Oduba and Nadiya Hussain to mark their teachers' achievements. 

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity now in its 25th year, that recognises the life-changing work that takes place in education, highlighting the vital role educators play and the work that’s delivered in schools and colleges every day. Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, added:

“I am inspired by the devotion of teachers and the huge impact they have on the lives of the young people they tutor, support, encourage and motivate day in and day out.

“The valuable role they play both inside and outside the classroom has inspired generations of young people across the country to achieve their potential.

“I am delighted to congratulate the winners of the 2023 Awards and thank them all for the amazing contributions they have made to our communities.”