By KLTV Newsdesk –

Moor End Academy Wins Top Honour for Transformative Work in Diversity and Inclusion

A Huddersfield secondary school has been crowned Gold Winner of the prestigious Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year award at the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Moor End Academy secured the top accolade following a rigorous judging process, rising above thousands of nominees to take home what is widely regarded as one of the highest honours in UK education.

A Beacon of Inclusivity

Recognised for its outstanding commitment to inclusion and diversity, Moor End Academy has become a model for how schools can embrace and celebrate difference.

With nearly 90% of pupils coming from minority ethnic backgrounds and more than 35 linguistic and cultural groups represented, the academy has turned diversity into a thriving source of strength.

Initiatives such as Culture Days encourage pupils to celebrate their heritage and share it proudly with peers.

This ethos extends beyond the school gates, with staff leading baking sessions, safeguarding workshops, and community events to strengthen local connections.

National Recognition at Glamorous Ceremony

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Brewery in Central London last weekend.

Hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin, the event brought together Silver Winners from 16 categories, educators from across the country, and special guests including Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Run by the Teaching Awards Trust and sponsored by Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, the awards aim to spotlight the exceptional contributions of teachers, support staff, schools, colleges and early years settings across the UK.

Celebrating the Impact of Educators

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.

“The Pearson National Teaching Awards give us the chance to recognise and celebrate that commitment.

“This year’s entries were, once again, full of powerful stories of creativity and care. 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, added: “Behind every confident student or changed life, there’s an educator who made it possible.

“The Pearson National Teaching Awards shines a spotlight on the inspiring individuals whose influence has gone far beyond the classroom.

“This is a celebration of excellence at the highest level, and we are thrilled to be able to recognise these achievements. Congratulations to all of this year’s Gold Winners!”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised the winners, saying: “Teachers and school staff are the heart of our education system, inspiring young people and helping them to achieve and thrive.

“These awards are a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact great educators have, because the path to national renewal runs through our schools.

“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.”

Championing Diversity and Community Impact

Joshua Cronin, Education Partnerships Director at Step into Teaching and sponsor of the award, highlighted the academy’s exceptional impact: “This year’s gold winning school has had a profound impact not only on its students but the wider community by championing diversity and inclusion.

“It’s wonderful to see how pupils can thrive when differences are celebrated. Congratulations Moor End Academy!”

Moor End Academy’s national recognition marks a significant achievement not only for the school but for the Huddersfield community it serves, demonstrating how inclusive values, cultural celebration, and community engagement can uplift young people and inspire lasting change.