LSEAT schools and staff honoured in National Teaching Awards

Outstanding staff members from three schools within London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) – along with one of our primary schools - have been celebrated in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards.

These prestigious awards recognise excellence in education across the whole country, celebrating the amazing contributions made by individual staff members and schools.

We are delighted to congratulate:

Dwayne Thomas, Heron Academy – Highly Commended Certificate – TA of the Year
Jacqui Gideon, Bromley Trust Academy – Certificate of Excellence – Unsung Hero
Alison Hollands, Belmont Academy – Certificate of Excellence – Excellence in Special Education
Warren Road Primary School – Certificate of Excellence – Making a Difference, Primary School of the Year

Staff were put forward by their headteachers for exceptional commitment to the children and young people they teach and support - as well as demonstrating real talent and passion.

With thousands of entries across nine award categories, three of our four entries have been recognised with a Certificate of Excellence – with Heron Academy’s Dwayne Thomas additonally scooping a Highly Commended accolade, one of just 100 entrants in the country.

Congratulating the staff and schools, Deputy CEO of London South East Academies Trust, Neil Miller, said:

We are incredibly proud of our staff and schools for this national recognition. These awards are a testament to the incredible work happening every day across our Trust – work that genuinely transforms lives.

“Congratulations to Jacqui, Alison, Dwayne and the Warren Road team – and a huge thank you to every single staff member in our schools who are all so committed to supporting pupils every single day.”

With today being National Thank a Teacher Day, these honours highlight LSEAT’s mission to deliver inclusive, high-quality education – and celebrate the people who make that possible.

Our award winners:

Dwayne Thomas – Heron Academy

Awarded a Highly Commended Certificate for Teaching Assistant of the Year, Dwayne Thomas brings inspiration and energy to Heron Academy’s specialist setting. Dwayne supports students with complex needs to achieve both their personal and academic goals. Whether helping a pupil complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award or using his music background to build confidence, Dwayne’s influence has a far-reaching impact on staff and students at the school.

Jacqui Gideon – Bromley Trust Academy

Described as an unsung hero, Jacqui Gideon has transformed lives at this alternative provision school for 11–16-year-olds. Her ability to connect with every pupil, regardless of background, and support them back into learning is exceptional. A trained bricklayer, Jacqui supports the school's vocational provision, with her compassion and resilience making her a standout staff member in the school and wider community.

Alison Hollands – Belmont Academy

Alison Hollands is a specialist teacher for visually impaired (VI) pupils. As a Qualified Teacher for VI and habilitation specialist, Alison has made the school fully accessible - leading adaptations, training staff and helping pupils understand the needs of others. Her work goes far beyond the classroom: teaching life skills, empowering independence and advocating for new technologies. In addition, her commitment to professional development and lecturing at UCL reflects her impact across the wider sector.

Warren Road Primary School

Awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the Primary School of the Year – Making a Difference category, Warren Road demonstrates its ethos that every child matters. The school delivers a broad curriculum alongside a wealth of enrichment activities - from eco-engineering projects to language ambassadors and peer-led wellbeing initiatives. The school’s outstanding results demonstrate its commitment to education and ensuring that every child can reach their full potential.

For more information about the National Teaching Awards visit: Home - The Pearson National Teaching Awards

For more information about London South East Academies Trust and all our schools, visit www.LSEAT.org.uk