WINSTANLEY COLLEGE LEAD CLEANER WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL TEACHING AWARD ON NATIONAL THANK A TEACHER DAY

Winstanley College’s Lead Cleaner, Sheila Wilding, has been named a Silver award winner of the Unsung Hero category in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards for their incredible impact on their college.

Sheila is regarded as one of the College’s most exceptional managers, consistently setting the highest standards and leading by example. She approaches every task with dedication, pride and meticulous attention to detail, from maintaining immaculate spaces to delivering major events. Beyond her exceptional work ethic, Sheila is known across the College for the warmth and positivity she brings to every interaction. One staff member summed up a sentiment shared by many: “Every time I see her, she makes me smile.”

Sheila 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.

Sheila will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious Gold award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “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"