21/06/2026
On Wednesday 17 June, National Thank a Teacher Day, we were delighted to receive the news that Chris Tooley, Principal at The Netherhall School and Oakes College, had been named as a 2026 Silver Winner of a Pearson National Teaching Award, one of the most prestigious honours in education, under the category of Secondary School Head Teacher of the Year.
The National Teaching Awards celebrate the exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to make a profound difference in the lives of young people.
This recognition is a wonderful testament to the dedication, vision, and warmth that Chris brings to our school every single day. It reflects not only Chris’s professional excellence, but the culture of care and ambition that has taken root across our whole community.
As a Silver Winner, Chris will now be considered for a Gold Teaching Award, with final results being announced in late November. We will, of course, share that news with you as soon as it arrives.
We know we speak for every pupil, parent, and member of staff when we say, Congratulations Chris; this is thoroughly deserved.
We are also delighted to announce that The Netherhall School has been recognised with a Highly Commended Award for Making a Difference, a testament to the collective commitment and dedication of our staff in supporting our students, families and wider community.
In addition, two members of our team received individual awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions. Kerry Thompson was awarded Teaching Assistant of the Year for her outstanding work within Arday, where she consistently supports students to reach their full potential. Kerry also plays a key role in leading and developing our Forest School provision, enriching learning experiences and opportunities for our students.
Claire Sutton, Finance Business Partner, at The Netherhall School and Oakes College, part of Anglian Learning, received a Bronze Unsung Hero Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to supporting our school community. Claire works tirelessly to ensure families can access vital financial support and has been instrumental in establishing our school Food Bank, as well as developing a range of initiatives to help families navigate challenging times.
We are incredibly proud of these achievements and congratulate Kerry, Claire and all our staff whose passion, commitment and hard work continue to make a positive difference every day to not only our students but the wider school community.
