INSPIRATIONAL HARINGEY EDUCATOR WINS
NATIONAL TEACHING AWARD FOR TRANSFORMATIVE WORK
Haringey teacher Gemma Short, Science Lead at Haringey Learning Partnership, has been recognised with a Silver Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards. Chosen from thousands of nominees, Gemma is now in the running for one of the UK's most prestigious education honours—the Gold Award, to be announced at a star-studded ceremony in London and broadcast on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.
Gemma has played a transformative role at Haringey Learning Partnership, a network of alternative provision schools for students who have often faced significant challenges in mainstream education. Since joining in 2021, she has rebuilt the science curriculum from the ground up, turning it from a subject deemed ‘too difficult’ into one that now sparks curiosity, confidence, and success. Under her leadership, all students now study and achieve qualifications in Combined Science, with some going on to study science at A-level—something previously unheard of at the school.
Her work was recognised during HLP’s recent Ofsted inspection, where the school was awarded Outstanding in all areas. Science, a deep-dive focus, was singled out for its high-quality teaching, strong curriculum, and student engagement.
Gemma is one of 94 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions recognised as Silver Award winners in 2025 for the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people.
The announcement comes on National Thank a Teacher Day, a UK-wide celebration of all those working in education, with students, schools and celebrities paying tribute to their dedication.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards and National Thank a Teacher Day are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative power of education and highlight the important work of educators across the country.
Gerry Robinson, Executive Headteacher at Haringey Learning Partnership, said:
“Gemma’s impact on our students and our school has been truly transformational. She brings energy, creativity, and deep commitment to everything she does. She has not only rebuilt science education at HLP but reshaped how our students see themselves—as capable, curious and full of potential. We are incredibly proud of her and thrilled to see her recognised nationally for the exceptional work she does every day.”
Gemma’s influence extends beyond her own school. She has spoken at national education conferences, including the IncludEd Conference and the National Science Educators Conference, sharing practical strategies for making science inclusive and engaging for students with SEND and those in alternative provision. She has also built a national network of science teachers working in alternative provision, creating a collaborative platform for sharing best practice and driving innovation across the sector.
Through her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy, Gemma Short is not only improving outcomes but helping students see science as a path they can belong to—and thrive in.
