London Met partner school shortlisted for two teaching awards News

The partnership with London Met, which sees students mentor the school’s pupils in maths, was highlighted in the shortlisting for its role in raising attainment and aspiration.

Date: 14 October 2020

A London Met partner school has been shortlisted for two teaching awards. Mayesbrook Park School, based in Dagenham, is in the running for the Tes Schools Awards for the Alternative Provision School of the Year, while PE teacher Hannah Whitfeld is nominated for the New Teacher of the Year award.

Their partnership with London Met was highlighted in the nomination for its role in improving the maths provision at the school. London Met's Widening Participation team has placed student mentors with them for the past three years to improve the academic attainment levels of students. This scheme, led by Renzo Veschini, has seen the percentage of Mayesbrook students getting a good pass in Maths tripling in the space of a year.

This scheme also gives the school pupils the opportunity to engage with University students and find out more about going to university themselves, and the options available to them in their academic journey. 

Mayesbrook Park Executive Head Annie Blackmore said ‘‘In what has been a really challenging year for all of us it’s absolutely brilliant to have the hard work of our whole staff team recognised in this way!”

The editor of the education magazine, Tes, Ann Mroz said: “It is always a highlight of the education calendar to see the best ideas and people lauded at the Tes Schools Awards.

“But this year, it felt more important than ever to run an event that showcased and celebrated the hard work that teachers and school staff do for children and their community every single day.

“This has been one of the most difficult years in education, but – as ever – teachers continue to rise to the challenge.”

Award winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony on November 13.