Somerset’s pioneering partnership between Imagine the Possibilities and the partnership with the schools and colleges has been named a Silver Award winner in the School or College Partnership of the Year category at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards
The project has been delivered to support young people to explore their futures and build confidence in their next steps. It has been delivered in partnership with sen.se, the association of special schools, which has been instrumental in this work. Together, partners have worked to ensure the programme reflects the needs and aspirations of pupils across Somerset.
The award recognises the outstanding work of the partnership in creating meaningful careers education and employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Through innovative collaboration between education and employers, the partnership helps young people develop confidence, skills and aspirations for their futures, while building stronger links between schools and local businesses.
The partnership is among 99 outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and education settings honoured as Silver Winners in this year’s awards on National Thank a Teacher Day, in recognition of their dedication and impact. The team were presented with the award on behalf of the partnership at Fiveways school
The team will now be in with the chance of winning a prestigious Gold Award, which will be announced at a national awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.
Local reaction
Councillor Heather Shearer, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Children, Families and Education, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement and richly deserved recognition for everyone involved in the Imagine the Possibilities and Fiveways School partnership.
“Their work is transforming opportunities for young people with SEND, helping them build confidence, develop employability skills and prepare for successful futures. The partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when schools, employers and local services work together with a shared commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
“On behalf of Somerset Council, I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this national recognition.”
Julie Young, Senior Advisor for Careers and Pathways at Somerset Council, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that the partnership has received this national recognition. The impact it has on young people’s lives is remarkable.
“By working closely with schools and employers, the team helps young people gain valuable experiences, raise their aspirations and see the possibilities available to them beyond education. This award is a testament to the dedication, innovation and passion of everyone involved.”
National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established more than 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education and those who dedicate their careers to supporting young people.
National reaction
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:
“The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.
“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating. Thank you for the dedication you show every single day.”
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, said:
“For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood.
“We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special. This year’s Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country, and we’re delighted to be celebrating them today. Congratulations to every Silver Winner!”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
“On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms.
“I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives.”
Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, sponsor of the School or College Partnership of the Year Award, said:
“The strongest schools and colleges truly value the power of successful partnerships. When communities work together with trust, ambition and a focus on what truly matters for the young people they lead, the results can be extraordinary.
“This year’s Silver Award winners have demonstrated exactly that, and we are delighted to recognise the exceptional outcomes they have achieved together. Congratulations.”
