NWSLC TEACHING ASSISTANT SHORTLISTED FOR EDUCATION’S OSCARS 

Image caption: An image of Sarfraz Shaikh

Sarfraz Shaikh, who works at the Wigston Campus of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is in the running to win a Pearson National Teaching Award as Teaching Assistant of the Year.

At a time when schools are doing more than ever to support their communities, educators across the country have just discovered they have been shortlisted for Education’s Oscars. Selected from thousands of nominations, Sarfraz Shaikh is one of 87 extraordinary teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Sarfraz was nominated in the Teaching Assistant of the Year category for his expertise, diligence and commitment to ensuring his students reach their full potential. He supports High Needs students, many with autism, helping them to progress with their qualifications and successfully move on into further study and higher education. Sarfraz passes on what he has learnt about coaching and mentoring students to his colleagues.

Sarfraz is now in the running to become one of the prestigious scheme’s Silver Award winners. These will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards which will be announced as part of a televised UK ceremony later in the year, due to be broadcast on the BBC as ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’.

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

Pupils and parents can show their appreciation for their amazing teachers, who are supporting children across the country in incredibly challenging conditions, by sending them a Thank You card for free via the Thank a Teacher campaign.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “I am delighted to hear that Sarfraz has been shortlisted for this prestigious national award. His dedication and commitment shine through and he always gives 100 per cent in his role supporting students with High Needs. The students that Sarfraz supports face some challenging issues and he works closely with their parents to help them, not only to progress in their studies, but also to get the best out of college life and to become as independent as possible. We have seen plenty of evidence that Sarfraz’s support makes a huge difference to these students and some have made incredible progress moving from foundation learning into higher education. I wish Sarfraz the very best of luck for the next stage of the awards process.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, 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 across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing 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.

Steve Munby, Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust, 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.”

Hear how passionate Sarfraz really is about his career when he featured on BBC Radio Leicester