Orchard House Teacher Wins National Award
Bethany Gray credited with fostering a lifelong love of learning
Bethany Gray. Picture: OHS
June 19, 2026
A Chiswick teacher has been recognised among the country’s most inspiring educators after winning a national award celebrating excellence in teaching.
Miss Bethany Gray, a Year 2 Form Teacher at Orchard House School, has been named a Silver Award winner for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, announced on National Thank a Teacher Day (17 June).
With more than 20 years’ experience across both state and independent schools, Miss Gray is known for her imaginative, immersive lessons and strong pastoral care. Her approach, colleagues say, helps children “grow in confidence, curiosity and character” while fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.
She is one of 99 teachers, lecturers, leaders and support staff across the UK honoured as Silver Winners this year. Each will now go forward for the Gold Award, to be announced later this year at a ceremony in London and broadcast on BBC One’s The One Show.
The Teaching Awards Trust, which runs the Pearson National Teaching Awards, was founded more than 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education. Author and former Children’s Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo, President of the Trust, praised the winners for their “dedication and impact”, saying their influence “extends well beyond the classroom”.
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, added that teachers “help young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also marked the occasion, thanking teachers nationwide for their “extraordinary lengths” in inspiring pupils every day.
Orchard House School, based on Priory Avenue, is part of the Dukes Education group.
For more information, visit orchardhs.org.uk.
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