Andy Drozdziak
All Saints Catholic School in Dagenham has won a prestigious education award and has been praised by popular children’s author Michael Morpurgo.
All Saints won the Silver Award for Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. The award recognises the pastoral care, Catholic curriculum and pedagogy at All Saints and how this provides full character formation for their pupils.
Responding to the award, Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “I am thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation – thank you.”
Selected from thousands of nominees, the win highlights the impact All Saints has on shaping students in their care. The school will now be in the running for the Gold Award, which will be announced later this year. The school’s policy of ‘Nothing Less than Exceptional’ was highlighted by judges as one which drives positive relationships and aspirations through the school.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards were created in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to acknowledge the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on young people. The vision of The Pearson National Teaching Awards is to celebrate and highlight education in the UK, with a special focus on school staff.
The Pearson vision statement reads: “We want teaching and support staff across early years, schools and colleges to feel appreciated, celebrated and proud of the work they do and the difference they make.” The Awards are also featured in a week-long celebration on the BBC’s The One Show.
All Saints was quick to respond to the news, with Headteacher Clare Cantle highlighting the high standards in Catholic education.
“We celebrate this amazing accolade as a community that is ‘One in Christ’ and driven to be the best school we can be. We’re delighted to be associated with the tremendous work that’s being delivered in communities across the UK and particularly in Catholic education,” she told the Universe.
Deputy Headteacher Nick Pauro said: “We are thrilled as a school, as this award inspires all our pupils to be more, and achieve more-as well as tell all our staff and Governors that our work is full of purpose and future positive possibilities.”
War Horse author Michael Morpurgo added his appreciation of the school’s ‘vital’ work. “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond.” he said.
Catholic schools have experienced recent success in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. In 2022, Andrew O’Neill, Headteacher of All Saints Catholic College, London, was honoured with the Gold Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School.
The Gold Winners will be announced on BBC’s The One Show in November, with the ceremony taking place in the same month.