Kumon sponsors the Bristol Education Awards

Kumon was proud to join the Bristol Education Awards last week where teaching professionals were recognised for some of the great achievements taking place in classrooms across the city.

Around 200 teachers, governors, teaching assistants and local business leaders came together for a celebratory evening hosted by former headteacher Stephen Drew, known to many from his appearances in Channel 4’s Educating Essex TV series.

Throughout the event Mr Drew urged guests to appreciate the importance of their work and the influence they have on their impressionable students; and with seven categories, including Head Teacher, Primary, Secondary and SEN teachers, and Teaching Assistant of the Year, there was much to divulge and celebrate.

As sponsor of the Primary School Teacher of the Year category, Kumon’s Schools Project Manager, Tim Corns was delighted to be there to present the award to worthy winner Abigail Southall from the Frampton Cotterell Church of England School.

Abigail later told us how: “Last year was a really challenging time personally because I have suffered some poor health and within the school I moved up to take over Year 5 for the first time. I had to quickly make good relationships with the children who, for many reasons found it difficult to build trust with adults. Whilst it has been really hard work and difficult for me at times, I feel I’ve learnt so much from the experiences and from all of the children and overall it has helped me to become a better teacher.”

And reflecting on the evening himself Tim said: “It was a huge thrill for us to support the awards. The Primary School Teacher category, in particular, recognises the passion, dedication and skill necessary to develop the potential in our young people – potential rarely develops itself.

At Kumon, through our English and maths programmes, we understand the importance of nurturing self-belief and giving students the tools they need to enjoy learning and to excel at school. It was a tremendous evening and a privilege to be in the company of such teaching excellence.”

Congratulations to Abigail and all the deserving winners from this year’s Bristol Education Awards!

Kumon has worked collaboratively with schools across the United Kingdom, partnering with them to help their students build both academic and soft skills. Click here to find out more about our work with schools.