Academy teacher among ‘Classroom Heroes’

A YORKSHIRE teacher is one of 13 from across the country honoured for inspirational work and outstanding achievements in the classroom.

Leanne Griffiths of The Morley Academy in Leeds has won a Pearson Teaching Award.

Hosted by BBC presenters Anita Rani and Sean Fletcher, the annual ceremony is broadcast on BBC2 on Sunday October 28 at 6pm as

and will give viewers an insight into the inspirational work behind Leanne’s award win.

Ms Griffiths was nominated for the accolade by pupils, parents and colleagues from her school.

Since joining the academy in 2005, she has made it her mission to ensure that all children, regardless of background, have the ‘gift of choice’ so they can aspire to be, and do, anything they want.

She provides all pupils with the best physical and emotional support possible, and has been a key force in supporting mental health education.

When a student had a devastating accident that left him paralysed, Leanne not only supported the entire family, but also ensured the school could be physically adapted to enable him to return.

Her exceptional leadership and teaching skills, led to The Morley Academy securing ‘The World Class Schools Quality Mark’ last year and has resulted in some of the best GCSE results in the country.

Other award categories include Lifetime Achievement, Excellence in Special Needs Education, and Outstanding Use of Technology in Education.

Michael Morpurgo, Children’s Author and President of the Pearson’s Teaching Awards, said: “Teachers are the quiet heroes. By telling their stories, by highlighting their skill and dedication, we can do some justice to them and to the whole profession.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “A huge congratulations to all the 2018 Teaching Award winners on this fantastic achievement. Pearson is proud of its unwavering commitment to these awards. Life-changing education is the result, above all else, of great teaching.”