Miss Bethany Gray Named Silver Winner in Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026
We are thrilled to announce that Miss Bethany Gray, Year 2 Form Teacher at Orchard House School, has been named a Silver Winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026 for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School.
The prestigious national awards, run by The Teaching Awards Trust, celebrate exceptional educators who make a transformational difference to the lives of young people and their communities. Selected from thousands of nominations across the UK, this recognition is a testament to Miss Gray’s extraordinary impact as a teacher and the lasting difference she makes to every child she teaches.
With more than 20 years of experience across both the state and independent sectors, Miss Gray is renowned for bringing learning vividly to life. Whether donning a wetsuit and goggles to inspire a creative writing lesson, transforming her classroom into the Rio Carnival, recreating Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition or an interactive meteor shower, she creates immersive experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and joy.
However, behind the magic is a deeply thoughtful educator whose teaching is rooted in knowing every child as an individual.
As one parent shared:
“Miss Gray is that rare kind of teacher who takes the time to get to know and understand the children in her care and uses this to make their learning journeys personalised, effective and fun.”
Miss Gray’s passion for children’s literature is particularly inspiring. Through her much-loved “special book library”, carefully tailored reading recommendations and infectious enthusiasm for storytelling, she has ignited a love of reading that endures long after pupils leave her classroom. One former parent reflected that their son’s passion for reading and writing, and ultimately his academic success, began in Miss Gray’s classroom.
Her care for pupils extends far beyond academics. She is known for her exceptional pastoral support, helping children overcome anxiety, build confidence and develop resilience. Families consistently speak of her kindness, compassion and ability to make every child feel safe, valued and understood.
Mrs Crystal Waldmeyer, Senior Deputy Head (Academic) at Orchard House School, said:
“Her pupils skip into school each morning. They love learning. They feel known and valued. She is a fantastic teacher who shapes not only academic progress but character and confidence. She is richly deserving of this recognition.”
Head of School, Mrs Henrietta Adams, added:
“Miss Gray embodies the very best of primary education. She understands that for children to thrive academically, they must first feel seen, safe and celebrated.
She combines creativity with rigour, high expectations with deep care, and has an extraordinary ability to inspire confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. We are incredibly proud that her exceptional work has been recognised on a national stage.”
A former pupil perhaps summed it up best:
“Miss Gray is a one in a million teacher.”
Everyone at Orchard House School extends their warmest congratulations to Miss Gray on this thoroughly deserved achievement. We are immensely proud to have her as part of our community and grateful for the passion, imagination and dedication she brings to our pupils every single day.
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