Winners of the 2025 Teachers and Advisers Awards announced

Congratulations to the winners and nominees of the 2025 USW Teachers and Advisers Awards.

Held at our Treforest Campus, the awards showcase the brilliant work teachers and advisers from secondary schools and colleges, across the UK, do to support their students, many going above and beyond.

Each award winner received £500 towards CPD and/or staff wellbeing initiatives at their school or college.

Reflecting on the event, Christopher Edwards, Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager said: ‘The Teachers and Advisers Awards is such a special event, a genuine celebration of the dedication and support shown by those who guide young people every day. Hearing the heartfelt stories from students and colleagues is incredibly moving, and a powerful reminder of just how much of a difference these individuals make. It’s a real privilege to work with teachers and advisers on a daily basis, and to see the hard work and difference they provide be recognised.’

In the category for Outstanding Pastoral and Wellbeing Support, Holly Padfield a biology teacher from Blessed Carlo Acutis, scooped the award.

The Inspirational Teacher or Adviser of the Year award was won by Jane Richards, Pennaeth y Gyfadran Fagloriaeth a Mentergarwch (business and baccalaureate teacher and sixth form mentor) at Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig.

Nominated for her positive and productive teaching, one student said: ‘As a pupil, knowing that this level of support is available whenever needed is important. Every pupil within the class is appreciative of the extra effort she puts into ensuring we succeed’.

The award for Supporting Progression to HE went to Lizzie Tiernan-Winner, Head of Sixth Form at Ysgol Calon Cymru.

Special commendations were also presented to three teachers and advisers, Andrew Vaughan, Subject Leader (Science) at The Cathedral School, Thomas Spencer, Head of Physics at Burford School, and Rajdeep Waraich, Achievement Coordinator for Years 12 and 13 at King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls and The Sixth Form Centre.