Mr M Warren Smith - Deputy Headteacher, Adams Grammar School, Newport, shropshire
Nominated by Alex Griffiths (class of 2006)
the day before my a-level english exam, i found out that my father had been sent to prison. Naturally, it was earth shattering news, and i was completely off kilter, as of course was my mum. preparations and focus on my exams couldn't have been much worse. on arriving in school, i knew that this was news i had to share with someone, but being a "cool" 17 year old, i didn't know who.
i headed up to mr warren-smith's office, he opened the door, and could see the shock and sadness etched on my face. for the first time in my 7 years at the school, i broke down in tears. At a really difficult point in my life, Mr Warren-Smith listened, cared, quietly acted and calmly never mentioned it again, but I knew he was keeping a close eye and continued to care. Thank you.
Sarah Patel - Teacher, Willowbrook Primary School, Manchester
nominated by ada mcintyre (class of 2012)
During an especially intense SATs preparation period, Sarah Patel went above and beyond in a way that truly stayed with me. She recognised how much pressure her pupils were under and made it her mission to support not just their academic progress, but their wellbeing too. From early-morning booster sessions with a reassuring smile, to small gestures like checking in individually with children who were struggling, she created an environment where everyone felt capable and calm. Her balance of high expectations and genuine care made a real difference—not just to results, but to confidence. It was inspiring to witness, and even more inspiring to be part of.
Mr James Whitaker, Redcliffe Academy, Bristol
nominated by daniel hughes (class of 2011)
When I experienced the bereavement of my grandma, I saw just how much of a difference a teacher can make. James Whitaker supported me with such quiet care and understanding at a time when I really needed it. He never made a fuss or drew attention to the situation, but he made it clear I was supported—checking in with me, giving me space when I needed it, and helping me stay on track with my work at my own pace. What stayed with me most was that his care didn’t stop after the initial moment; he continued to notice how I was doing and responded with kindness. It meant more than I can say, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
Mrs Lithgow, bishops fox's school, taunton
nominated by dave wide (class of 2005)
Mrs lithgow deserves a thousand thank yous and then some. in the later years of secondary school I often found myself increasingly getting into trouble and clashing with some figures of authority, as do many teenage lads riding a wave of hormones whilst trying to figure out their place in the world at 15 years old. mrs lithgow was always so calm, so understanding and her classroom always felt like a little oasis inside of the regular school setting. perhaps it was because she taught art, but more likely because she was always unapologetically herself and so accepting of every person (not student) that stepped foot in her class. when I (regrettably) ended up being excluded from one class, she provided a space where I could focus my time and energy into my gcse art studies and taught me how to draw portraits, a skill that I still use today and provided a way for me to earn whilst at university later on.
without sounding dramatic, she held a space where I could just be me, without having to prove anything, where I could disappear into a developing interest and she was always so encouraging, she'd tell if something was great but equally able to tell you when it wasn't and how you could improve one way or another. when I became a teacher myself I ended up teaching in p.r.u.s in the West Country and visited mrs lithgow to ask for her advice on how to best set up a better art provision at the ks4 unit - she was still so welcoming and helped without hesitation. I know that she is now retired and I hope she is truly enjoying time that is well deserved - thanks for providing a place use sanctuary and opening up a room to a lad whom it would have been much easier to close a door on.
Mr simon hart, kirkley high school, lowestoft, suffolk
nominated by joe randlesome (class of 2007)
Mr Hart was an inspiring teacher who made every lesson memorable. He had a great sense of humour and always found ways to make learning enjoyable, helping us see that maths could be both interesting and fun. One of our favourite memories was when he got us all walking around the school in a long train like a conga line, bringing laughter and energy to the day. His enthusiasm, kindness, and ability to make us smile will always be remembered.
Mr richard green, st Lucia primary school, upton magna, shropshire
nominated by ewan griffiths (class of 2004)
Mr green was a headteacher who pushed boundaries, inspired curiosity and was passionate about being involved in all aspects of the school. His creativity in where lessons could be learnt knew no bounds. He was often taking us out of the classroom to learn, whether it was in the school field learning about the hedges we were planting and the animals that might eventually use them as their habitat, or taking us to the local national trust property to learn about the farming practices, tree identification and history of the building there. He was a formidable force for being a creative, independent learner and educator. Cheers Mr green, you inspired many with your enthusiasm and passion for knowledge.
evELYN HICKS AND KAREN Lodge - Denes high school, lowestoft, suffolk
nominated by adam robertson (class of 2008)
I’m nominating them both because they made me value the real meaning of community and what makes a community special. Considering all the trouble which I and my group of friends put them through, they taught me the sense of community and hard work. I still remember Mrs HICKs talking about a community not about the building, but the people within the community. She is completely right on this.
In terms of Mrs LoDGe, how she kept me in high school during my GCSES is an achievement. Having been excluded from three schools previously, she managed to keep me on track and also supported me as an individual through my time there. Thank you mRS LoDGE For all of your support for the three years, while I was at denes