’A Greenford headteacher has today been recognised as one of the country’s leading education figures in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Hannah Widdison, headteacher at Stanhope Primary School, has been named as a Silver Winner for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School on National Thank a Teacher Day (17 June).
She is now in the running for a Gold Award, to be revealed at a special ceremony in November. The awards, often described as the ‘Oscars of education’, celebrate the impact of teachers and school leaders across the UK.
Judges visited the school as part of the process and praised its strong community feel.
‘A remarkable community’
Hannah said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been named a finalist in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, but this recognition really does belongs to the whole Stanhope community.
“For me, great schools do more than deliver results. They build belonging, open doors, raise aspirations and help children understand the power they have to make the world better. I am proud to lead a school where inclusion, excellence and social responsibility sit at the heart of everything we do.
“This award shines a light on a remarkable community of children, staff, families and governors, who believe deeply in what is possible when everyone works together.”
Under Hannah’s management, the school has been recognised as an Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence, while its leadership team was named Leadership Team of the Year at the National Schools Awards 2025.
Stanhope has also achieved strong educational attainment results, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, earning national recognition for its Key Stage 2 results in 2025.
Its children enjoy a wide range of opportunities, from learning Mandarin to taking part in London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) festivals, as well as working with the Primary Shakespeare Company and exploring projects that challenge gender stereotypes.
And, Hannah’s influence extends beyond the school through her role as AI Strategy Lead for the borough’s Ealing Learning Partnership, where she helps shape ethical approaches to artificial intelligence being used safely and usefully in education.
‘An exceptional headteacher’
Deputy headteacher at the school, Kat Pietruszka, said: “Hannah is an exceptional headteacher whose unwavering commitment to children, staff and community is evident in everything she does. She is relentless in her drive to ensure that Stanhope Primary School is a place where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is able to thrive.
“This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the profound impact of her leadership on children, colleagues and communities alike.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, added: “Huge congratulations to Hannah on this fantastic achievement. It reflects the dedication, care and ambition we see in our schools across the borough, and the difference strong leadership makes to children and families.”
National Thank a Teacher Day
National Thank a Teacher Day is also marked at Stanhope with messages of appreciation from pupils and families, reflecting the school’s strong culture of kindness and belonging.
Do you know a school hero?
Do you know someone who works in one of the borough’s schools who really goes the extra mile? Someone who makes a difference every day and deserves recognition? The Around Ealing team would love to hear from you. Share your school hero news and help celebrate the people making a difference in local education.
