Tottenham primary school teacher wins national award

The Willow Primary School’s head Dawn Ferdinand found out on live television that she had won the gold award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards

A Tottenham primary school teacher has won a prestigious national award.

Dawn Ferdinand, headteacher of The Willow Primary School on Broadwater Estate, has won the gold award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

The announcement was made during an episode of The One Show on BBC 1, 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 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, Dawn has shaped an extraordinary career focused on transforming lives and building stronger communities. Starting as headteacher of St Mark’s Primary School 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, 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.

Dawn 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!’.”

Zena Brabazon, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for children, schools and families, 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.”

Ann Graham, the council’s director of children services, added: “Providing high-quality education begins with exceptional teaching, and Dawn is a shining example of this.”

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