The Best in Everyone Awards is an annual prize giving event, designed to mark the exceptional accomplishments of young people and staff in United Learning primary and secondary schools across the country, as well as the contributions they make to their school and wider communities.

This year, schools held their own individual awards and then had the difficult task of nominating their most standout winners for the National Awards, open to secondary students and all staff. A special, in-person ceremony was held at Boughton House in Kettering, Northamptonshire, hosted by the Duke of Buccleuch, on Friday 19th June to celebrate the national winners.

Primary pupils who won in-school awards were entered into separate Regional Awards, covering the North and London/South, and enjoyed their own regional ceremonies held at Hunningley Primary Academy in Barnsley and Langford Primary School in London respectively.

Across the Group, there were an array of impressive and worthy winners.

Picking up the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was Sue Palmer, Head of the Art Department at The Totteridge Academy (TTA) in London, who was recognised for her unwavering contribution to the teaching profession over 40 years, including just under 20 years at TTA. Alongside being an exceptional teacher, who consistently makes sure her pupils are well equipped for success, she is a superb mentor and colleague to pupils and staff. 

Having taught and developed several generations of young people across the local area, Sue is taking up a well-deserved retirement at the end of the academic year.

Sue said:

“This award is absolutely lovely to receive, particularly ahead of my upcoming retirement. Over these years at The Totteridge Academy, I have learnt so much through working with some brilliant young people and colleagues whom I will miss greatly.

“If I were to go back in time to speak to my younger self now, I would tell her to trust her instincts, have faith in her abilities and never doubt what can be achieved with kindness, love for those around you and sheer hard work.”

Christopher Hunt, a Chemistry teacher at Sheffield Springs Academy was crowned Secondary Teacher of the Year. Alongside delivering outstanding teaching to his pupils, Chris provides extensive professional and wellbeing support to colleagues and delivers whole-school and department-specific Continuing Professional Development.

Chris said:

“I feel humbled to be receiving this award and am incredibly grateful to my colleagues for the nomination. Whilst in name this may be an individual accolade, I very much see this as a collective celebration of the huge transformation at Sheffield Springs Academy, driven by fantastic leaders who have supported teachers and all staff to thrive. I am proud that our young people are excelling more than ever before and that I, along with others, have been able to make a positive contribution to that.”

Amelia, a Nursery pupil at Grange Primary Academy in Kettering won the Character Award for her incredible kindness and the care she shows to all those around her. Amelia is an excellent friend to her peers and supports them both in the classroom, including during story and song times, and at playtime. 

Amelia said:

“I am really happy to win an award. I have learnt how to be kind from my mum.” 

Campbell Allen, a Year 10 pupil at Campion School in Northampton took home the award for Sportsman of the Year, recognised for his exceptional prowess across an array of sports, including rugby, football, cricket and cross country. From being selected to play in an international Rugby 7s tournament in Lisbon, Portugal, to captaining the Campion School football team as they won the District Cup, Campbell has proven his sporting talents are second to none.

Campbell said:

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the PE team at Campion and all the people who have supported me through my Campion and sports journey. I am very proud to have won this award, and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have received.”

Bespoke videos announcing the National Award winners were shared on the Group’s social media platforms to coincide with the in-person ceremony, enabling family, friends and colleagues at home to join in the festivities.

Sir Jon Coles, Chief Executive Officer at United Learning, said:

“Congratulations to all our Best in Everyone Award winners – from those who were recognised in their own in-school awards to those who took home a Regional or National Award. Each year, it is very important to us that we take the time to celebrate the phenomenal pupils, leaders and teams across United Learning and ensure they know that their hard work and commitment does not go unnoticed. The Best in Everyone Awards allow us to do just that and, importantly, the in-person ceremonies are an excellent touchpoint for our schools to join together and celebrate alongside one another.”

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Taylor Shaw for their valued sponsorship and for providing high-quality catering on the evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We are also very grateful to Lexington for their generous sponsorship and support of the event.

Please see below for a full list of this year’s Best in Everyone Award winners.