Roehampton hospital school wins national teaching award

Roehampton Hospital School, part of Priory Hospital Roehampton, has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards for its work in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and inclusive practice.

The award highlights the school’s efforts in delivering tailored education to young people aged 11 to 18 who are receiving inpatient mental health care.

Russell Cooper, headteacher at Roehampton Hospital School, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition.

“It reflects the passion and commitment of our team, who work every day to ensure every student feels supported, and inspired to succeed.”

The school is rated outstanding by Ofsted and collaborates closely with the hospital’s multidisciplinary teams to provide integrated clinical and educational support.

Three staff members also received individual Certificates of Excellence for their contributions.

The team’s work was further recognised in a handwritten letter from author Sir Michael Morpurgo, president of the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

In the letter, Sir Michael said: “The work you do day in, day out is life-enhancing, life-changing.

“It is also often hard and exhausting.

“I am writing to you to congratulate you and to thank you.

“For a child to have a great teacher like you is so important.

“You open doors, shine a light.

“You spend your working life passing on to children all that you know and love.”

The school supports students who are inpatients at the hospital, many of whom face complex emotional, behavioural, or psychological challenges.

It offers a full curriculum, including GCSEs, A Levels, Functional Skills, Level 2 and 3 BTECs, and post-16 pathways, with teaching adapted to each student’s recovery and educational needs.

Cheryl Smith, education director at Priory, said: “This award is recognition of the inclusive, person-centred education provided at Roehampton which is extremely important to us.

“I am delighted for the team as it demonstrates their dedication and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of education alongside the medical care being provided.”

The Certificate of Excellence marks a significant achievement for the Roehampton team and underscores the vital role of specialist education in supporting young people’s long-term recovery and future opportunities.