Outstanding lecturer honoured in National Teaching Awards

Cary Sawbridge, Lecturer and Programme Leader for SEND at Northumberland College has been named winner of the Pearson National Teaching Silver Award for SEND and Inclusive Practice.

Cary was honoured with the Silver Award for her outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the students she works with every day.

With inclusion and equity at her heart, Cary ensures that the outcomes for her students with SEND far surpass their own ambitions and those of their families.

Always ensuring that her students have the same opportunities as others, and always ensuring that students receive the care, support and challenge they need to thrive both in and out of the college environment, Cary is an outstanding teacher whose personal values and dedication set her apart.

Cary has directly contributed to the College being graded as Outstanding for our High Needs provision, achieving 100% positive destinations for students, 98% achievement and 0% of SEND students becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) at the end of their college journey.

Upon receiving her award, Cary said: “I’m incredibly proud and humbled to receive the Pearson Silver Award for SEND and Inclusive Practice. Every day, I’m inspired by the strength, individuality, and potential of the young people I support.

“For me, inclusion means truly seeing each student for who they are and building strong, supportive relationships that empower them to grow.

“The heart of my work lies in building strong, trusting relationships — not just with students, but with their families and carers too. They know their child better than anyone, and their insight and partnership are the foundation of everything I do. This award is absolutely as much theirs as it is mine.”

The exceptional teachers, support staff, teams and leaders from early years, primary, secondary, FE and SEND have been shortlisted from thousands of nominations and have been celebrated at special surprise celebrations in their schools and colleges this week.

In July, Cary will join all Silver Winners and will be invited to attend an afternoon tea reception to celebrate their achievements.

In November 2025, category Gold Winners will be announced at the Pearson National Teaching Awards UK Ceremony and Dinner, attended by all Silver Winners.

Lee Lister, Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus Principal, who nominated Cary for the award, said: “Cary demonstrates the impact that an outstanding teacher can have on a young person, whether that is learning to communicate, pushing through fears in charity skydives, raising funds for terminally ill colleagues, achieving employment or travelling independently for the first time.

“Cary’s ability to always try new things and reflect on her practice makes her an exceptional educator for students with SEND – focusing on the young person and actively finding unique ways to support life–changing outcomes.

“She is so deserving of this award and recognition and is a passionate and valued member of Northumberland College and Education Partnership North East.”

The honours were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, an annual event celebrating the role of educators across the UK for the valued role they play in communities and shaping young people.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, that recognises the life-changing work that takes place in education, highlighting the vital role educators play and the work that’s delivered in schools and colleges every day.

Author Sir Michael Morpurgo, president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable.

“I am delighted to be able to congratulate this year’s silver award winners. Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. Thank you for the difference you make every single day.”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, said: “Today, we proudly recognise those making an extraordinary impact. Our silver award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements.”

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are open to every early years setting, school and college across the UK. The awards were established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 and are managed by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity. The vision of the charity is to recognise and celebrate excellence in education. It does this through its public facing ‘Thank A Teacher’ campaign www.thankateacher.co.uk, and through the Pearson National Teaching Awards.