Local Pearson Teaching Award Winner in-line for UK Gold National Teaching Award

Andy Waite of Exeter College in Exeter, Devon is off to London to attend the star studded UK final of the Pearson National Teaching Awards hosted by TV historian Dan Snow…

Back in May of this year, Andy was recognised for his exceptional contribution to the teaching profession as one of just 59 Silver Teaching Award winners in the UK.

On Sunday 26th October, Andy Waite and the other Silver Award winners, will attend a glittering ceremony at London's Guildhall Great Hall, to find out which of them has been selected to win a National Pearson Teaching Award, also known as a Gold Plato Award. The ceremony, hosted by Dan Snow, and filmed by the BBC, will see the announcement of just 11 Gold Plato award-winners, representing the very best of the UK's teaching profession.

The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching, founded in 1999 by Lord Puttnam, they recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people they teach.

The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC2 at 6pm on 2nd November as “Britain's Classroom Heroes”.

“The College's success is driven by many things, said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College. “We attract hard working and committed students who, working with our professional and dedicated staff in industry standard facilities record exceptional successes each year. At the heart of this success is a relentless focus on teaching and learning across the college, as recognized by our outstanding Ofsted inspection in January. We are very proud that Andy has been awarded a silver award as recognition of his passion for the success of his students and we all wish him well as he goes to London to hear if he has won the further recognition of a Gold Plato Award.

About Andy Waite

Nominated for this Award by no fewer than 11 of his appreciative students, Andy is a dedicated, gifted and inspirational teacher. His specialist subject area is Travel and Tourism which he teaches with great skill and flair. However, he also inspires his students with confidence, self- belief and the realisation that, if they try, they can achieve success! Teaching Awards judges said, “his personality, energy and enthusiasm shone through all the elements of our visit to the College, and the glowing testimonies from the students, staff and colleagues were extremely impressive, he is an exceptional educational professional”.

Andy said “It is a real honour being nominated for such an amazing award. I was completely shocked to see the number of nominations that I had received from students, and their kind words which were extremely moving. On the day of being presented the Silver Award, I was totally speechless and struggled to say anything other than 'thank you!' It feels great to be recognised by the students and to know how much of a difference I have personally made to their learning experience and helped them to achieve their career aspirations in the travel & tourism sector.

“Teaching is like no job I have ever had! It is challenging, fast paced, every day is different and it has its ups and downs like any job, but the best part is seeing the students grow in confidence, develop their skills and help them understand that the world is a small place and that they can achieve anything they put their mind to! Many of my ex-students now travel the world for a career, and it's great to think I helped them in that process – that makes me feel particularly proud!”

Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, president of the Teaching Awards said, “I am genuinely proud and honoured to be the president of the Teaching Awards. I owe so much of what I've done to my fantastic teachers at school and university and it is exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all.”

President, UK and Core Markets, Pearson, said: “Everyone can remember a teacher who inspired and challenged them so it's important to say thank you. It is great teaching that makes the biggest difference to learning and that's why great teachers must be recognised”.