Maria Carlton, Executive Headteacher for two of our primary placement schools , Bewley and Kirklevington, and Campus Stockton Teaching Alliance board member, has been selected from thousands of nominations to win a Pearson National Teaching Silver Award.  Maria received her award for Headteacher Of The Year In A Primary School for her outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children she works with every day. 

Maria has now been shortlisted to win one of sixteen Gold Awards, which will be announced and celebrated at a gala ceremony in London on 25th November 2023 and televised on the BBC, with winners showcased on The One Show. 

The honours were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, an annual event celebrating the role of educators across the UK for the valued role they play in communities and shaping young people. This year, students were joined by celebrities including Sir Michael Morpurgo, Edith Bowman, Bobby Seagull, Ore Oduba and Nadiya Hussain to mark their teachers’ achievements.

Staff describe Maria as ‘an exceptionally hard-working, immensely inspirational and resilient leader who selflessly supports and strives for the best for staff and pupils alike’. Gill Lamb, Chair of Governors at Bewley Primary School in Billingham says ‘Maria is an inspiration to her students, staff, and the wider community. The motto at Bewley is Bright, Proud and Successful, and we are all so proud to see her success in recognition of all her work for the Billingham community.’

We all agree here at Campus Stockton Teaching Alliance that Maria’s award is well deserved and we are absolutely thrilled for her and the local community. 

If you’ve ever felt inspired to teach the children in your local community, please take a look at the courses we have on offer.  It could be you winning a Pearson National Teaching award one day!