Q3 Academy Langley wins Prestigious National Teaching Award on National Thank A Teacher Day
Q3 Academy Langley in Oldbury, which is one of twelve schools in The Mercian Trust, has been named a Silver award winner of the Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year category in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards for their incredible impact on their community in Sandwell.
The school has been recognised for its exceptional outcomes for students, excellent attendance and behaviour, and for being a regional leader, supporting other schools in the West Midlands to drive up standards for all students, especially those who face disadvantage.
The award was presented to the school this morning at a special Thank A Teacher Day breakfast for all staff at the school to recognise their hard work and dedication. In attendance were the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Margaret Sutton; Kevin O’Driscoll, Education Partner from Step into Teaching, Sponsor of The Award for Making a Difference - Secondary School of the Year; Governor and Parent, Richard Hadley; and representatives from The Mercian Trust, including Chair of Trustees, Kevin Davis DL, and CEO, Dan Parkes.
Q3 Academy Langley is among 99 outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and education settings honoured as Silver Winners in this year’s awards on National Thank a Teacher Day, in recognition of their dedication and impact.
Q3 Academy Langley will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious Gold award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.
National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
Joshua Cronin, Education Partnerships Director at Step into Teaching, Sponsor of The Award for Making a Difference - Secondary School of the Year says:
We are delighted to celebrate this year's Silver Award winners for their dedication, leadership and determination, ensuring students achieve their full potential. Creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive is no small feat. Congratulations on this richly deserved recognition
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says:
The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.
I am especially proud to congratulate this year's Silver award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy, and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating. Thank you for the dedication you show every single day.
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says:
For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood. We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special. This year's Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country, and we're delighted to be celebrating them today. Congratulations to every Silver Winner!
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says:
On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms.
I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives.
Dan Parkes, CEO of The Mercian Trust, says:
This is what transformation looks like. High standards, no excuses, and every student fulfilling their potential. Q3 Langley shows what is possible when excellence and equity go hand in hand. We are incredibly proud to celebrate with the whole team today - congratulations everyone!
Peter Lee, Headteacher at Q3 Academy Langley, says:
This recognition, announced on Thank a Teacher Day, is a testament to the dedication of our staff both past and present, the commitment of our students, and the ongoing support from our families. As a community, all staff, students, and families, should feel rightly proud of the impact we are making together and have done so over the last ten years. We look forward to attending the celebration event in July and also the Gala Dinner in late November 2026.