‘Caring and compassionate’ New Addington teacher wins national award

Amy Stimpson, assistant headteacher of inclusion and SENDCO at Meridian High, was chosen to receive a Pearson National Teaching Silver Award for Excellence in special needs education.

Amy said: “I feel overwhelmed and exhilarated to have won the silver award.

“Although I was nominated, I am accepting the award on behalf of the team – everything we do is for the students.

“I feel so proud to have received Highly Commended in the Headteacher of the Year category which is reflective of the whole team and the journey we have been on together.

“It is lovely to have been nominated and be recognised for the work that we have done.”

Described as a “caring” and “compassionate” advocate by her colleagues, Amy first began her teaching career at the New Addington school nine years ago.

Now she has received an award from the Pearson National Teaching Awards, an annual celebration of excellence in education run by independent charity the Teaching Awards Trust, which is now marking its 25th year.

The awards highlight the role that educators play in the work they do and the impact they have on their students.

Sharon Hague, senior vice president of schools at Pearson UK, said: “We would like to congratulate today’s Silver winners on their incredible achievements.

“We can’t underestimate the huge contribution schools make to our young people’s lives and Amy Stimpson is an inspiring example of the positive impact an individual can have on pupils and communities.”

Amy first started at New Addington as a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA), in which her role involved supporting students with additional needs with language and literacy skills, before eventually gaining a qualification to teach.

The school’s assistant headteacher, Gemma Singleton, said: “It was easy to nominate Amy due to the impact she has had and the continued success of Pinnacle and adaptive teaching practice for SEND and supporting our SEND students.”

In addition to the award, Amy has since been shortlisted to win one of 16 Gold Awards, which are to be announced at a gala in November this year, with winners to be featured on the BBC’s The One Show.

Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “I am inspired by the devotion of teachers and the huge impact they have on the lives of the young people they tutor, support, encourage and motivate day in and day out.

“The valuable role they play both inside and outside the classroom has inspired generations of young people across the country to achieve their potential. I am delighted to congratulate the winners of the 2023 awards and thank them all for the amazing contributions they have made to our communities.”