Liverpool school revealed as winner of UK teaching award on BBC’s The One Show

Abbot’s Lea School has been recognised as the Gold Winner of the SEND and Inclusive Practice category in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. The reveal was featured on BBC’s The One Show. It came ahead of an awards ceremony that took place over the weekend.

A pioneering approach to education

Abbot’s Lea School welcomes every student through its pioneering ASD Model of Education. It integrates focus on academic learning, specialist therapeutic support, and development of life skills.

Its in-house Multidisciplinary Team offers holistic support while its ADHD clinic ensures students receive essential healthcare without missing lessons. The school partners with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to run this clinic.

Weekly open-house assemblies and coffee mornings keep families closely involved in their children’s education and home-school partnership.

The school gives students with autism and complex needs every opportunity to succeed and become confident, work-ready adults. Some have even returned to join the school as staff.

On BBC’s The One Show, Actor Kev Duala joined Abbot’s Lea student, Karim, to surprise Headteacher Ania Hildrey with the Gold Winner award, alongside a display of artwork that students had prepared for the moment. Mrs Hildrey said:

“Our school is an amazing place and I am privileged to be its headteacher. We love what we do, and we never give up on our students! We are so proud of the award and the recognition of being the best specialist school in the country!”

The judges recognised Liverpool-based Abbot’s Lea School for its exceptional contribution to both students and the wider community.

Celebrating excellence in teaching

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual event that acknowledges the achievements and impact of teachers. It is run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, and sponsored by Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company.

TV presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin hosted the awards evening at The Brewery in Central London. It brought together Silver Winners across 16 categories, alongside industry peers, colleagues and special guests, including Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“Education is built on the steady, often unseen work of dedicated individuals – teachers and school staff who show up every day to make a difference. My congratulations to all of this year’s winners, you remind us what a vital role education plays in shaping lives and futures.”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says:

“Behind every confident student or changed life, there’s an educator who made it possible.”

Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education, says:

“Teachers and school staff are the heart of our education system, inspiring young people and helping them to achieve and thrive. My warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees – your hard work, care, and commitment shape futures, and I’m proud to work with you to break down barriers to opportunity.”

Further recognition for an inspiring school

Abbot’s Lea School also celebrated a win at the Educate Awards earlier this month. This incredible school won the Most Inspirational Specialist School Award amidst an exceptional calibre of entries. The judges praised the school’s dedication and innovative approach to specialist education. They admired Abbot’s Lea School’s “wrap-around, supportive, holistic approach that places children and young people at the centre for personal achievement”.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Educate Awards showcases 21 diverse categories, highlighting excellence across every area of education. This ranges from sports and the arts to literacy and environmental initiatives.

The shortlist includes inspiring teachers, committed support staff, and forward-thinking leadership teams who continue to make a lasting impact in their communities.

The Educate Awards is the largest and most respected education awards in the North West. It brings together schools, colleges, and multi-academy trusts from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside for an evening that honours achievement and innovation.

A dazzling night of celebration

In partnership with ASL Group, the glittering ceremony [held on 14 November 2025] unfolded at Liverpool Cathedral. It welcomed more than 600 guests as well as broadcaster Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross who hosted the evening.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said:

“Congratulations to all of this year’s incredible winners! A huge well done to the runners-up and finalists, and thank you to everyone who entered. Each year, the judges’ job gets harder, and once again, the results were incredibly close.

“We’re proud that the Educate Awards continues to highlight the remarkable achievements of schools and colleges across the region. The dedication, creativity, and care shown by staff and students never fail to inspire us.”

David Hird, headteacher of Netherton Moss Primary School, said:

“I have friends in other parts of the country who always make very jealous comments about the pictures I post, while they have awards in their respected areas, few if any, are afforded the honour and status of such a celebration.”

Lianne Bradford, education manager at Burnley FC in the Community and esteemed Educate Awards judge, said:

“The event was absolutely fantastic, each year the awards exceeds expectations, and it remains my favourite event of the year. It is such a special opportunity to celebrate everything that is brilliant about education in our wonderful, and often overlooked, region.”

John Shannon, director of education at the Frank Field Education Trust and valued Educate Awards sponsor, said:

“It was an amazing experience to see the incredible work that colleagues across the North West do to make a difference to the children and communities they serve.”

With recognition from both the Pearson National Teaching Awards and the Educate Awards this year, Abbot’s Lea School concludes 2025 having been celebrated for its innovative and inclusive approach to education.