Haringey is beaming with pride as headteacher Dawn Ferdinand has won the prestigious Gold Award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
The announcement was made during an episode of The One Show on BBC, with Dawn proudly attending as part of the audience. The Gold Award recognises exceptional educators across the UK for their dedication, achievements, and transformative impact on students' lives.
Dawn (pic) had already been celebrated earlier this year with a Silver Award for Primary Headteacher of the Year, which placed her running for the top prize. With a passion for education, she has shaped an extraordinary career focused on transforming lives and building stronger communities.
Starting as Headteacher of St Mark’s Primary in 2000, she guided the school to its first-ever "Outstanding" OFSTED rating in 2007. She later brought the same success to The Willow Primary and Broadwaters Children’s Centre in Tottenham, pm London, with both organisations achieving successive "Outstanding" grades, most recently in 2022 and 2023.
Beyond her role in schools, Dawn works tirelessly to uplift the profession. She mentors aspiring leaders, supports headteachers as a school improvement partner, and is a vocal advocate for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. This Gold Award is a testament to Dawn’s inspiring leadership and tireless dedication to education and social justice.
Dawn Ferdinand, Headteacher at The Willow Primary School, said: “I feel truly honoured to have achieved the Gold Award, especially knowing there are countless headteachers across the country doing remarkable things.
“As I mentioned on The One Show, it is my ‘village’ of pupils and their families, my incredible staff, my friends and family that share the credit for my success. Most of all I’m thrilled to have achieved this for the Broadwater Farm community. It’s for them that I raise this award high and shout from the rooftops ‘Look what we have achieved!’.
Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, and Families at Haringey Council, said: “This award highlights that Haringey is home to some of the most exceptional educators, who play a vital role in shaping the lives of our young people.
“We are incredibly proud of Dawn and her remarkable achievements. Our commitment to providing the best possible education is strengthened by teachers like Dawn, who inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential.
“These young people are the future of Haringey and will grow into leaders we can all be proud of.” Director of Children Services at Haringey Council, Ann Graham, said: “Providing high-quality education begins with exceptional teaching, and Dawn is a shining example of this.
“With headteachers like Dawn, we can be confident that our young leaders are nurtured in safe, caring, and inspiring hands. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and the impact she has made.
“Huge congratulations to Dawn on this well-deserved recognition.” Entries are now open for educators across the country to be recognised in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Submissions can be made through the Pearson National Teaching Awards website. The Pearson National Teaching Awards are organised by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity that has been supporting educators for over 25 years.
These awards aim to acknowledge the essential roles that teachers, support staff, and early years educators play in shaping the lives of young people.
