Teacher David Stirzaker, who works at Stawley Primary School, has been shortlisted in Education’s Oscars.

He is one of 87 teachers, lecturers and school staff selected from thousands of nominations entered for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

David was nominated for a Silver Award in the Teacher of the Year in a Primary School category. He was instrumental in helping Stawley Primary School top the Somerset performance tables for Key Stage 2 in 2018 and 2019. He is said to inspire pupils with his good-natured competitive spirit and has organised a number of public performances for his pupils.

Silver Award winners will compete to win one of 14 Gold Awards which will be announced at a ceremony later in the year, televised on the BBC as Britain’s Classroom Heroes.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on young people’s lives.

Pearson UK president Rod Bristow said: “Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award. At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools are stepping up and playing a vital role for the well-being of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you. At Pearson we are delighted to support these awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion.”

Teaching Awards Trust chairman Steve Munby said: “Congratulations to all of the amazing staff in the running to win a Silver Award. This is fair recognition of the outstanding job they are doing and their efforts in going well beyond their role to make sure their students get every chance in life.

“Now more than ever is the time to appreciate our teachers and the fantastic work they are doing. I am honoured to be part of these awards and to play my part in acknowledging teachers for the incredible job they do.”

Pupils and parents can show their appreciation for their teachers, who are supporting children across the country in challenging conditions, by sending them a thank you card free of charge via the Thank a Teacher campaign at www.thankateacher.co.uk