Selected from thousands of nominations, Richard Harris is one of 87 extraordinary teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been entered for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Richard was nominated for a Silver Award in the Teacher of the Year in a secondary school category. He uses technology to inspire and assess his students in equal measure. Aside from his work in the classroom, Richard has represented Kent as a 5K runner, won the British National Jujitsu title, coached for Fulham Football Club and featured in publications as a star teacher for the most prestigious educational academy in South Korea.

Richard Harris of Raynes Park High School is in the running to be one of the Silver Award winners. These will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards which will be announced at the televised UK ceremony later in the year, broadcast on the BBC as 'Britain's Classroom Heroes'.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1198 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.

Pupils and parents can show their appreciation for their amazing teachers, who are supporting children across the country in incredibly challenging conditions, by sending them a Thank You card for free via the Thank a Teacher campaign at https://thankateacher.co.uk.

'Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award. At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you. At Pearson we are delighted to support these Awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion.'

Rod Bristow

President of Pearson UK

'Congratulations to all of the amazing staff in the running to win a Silver Award. This is fair recognition of the outstanding job they are doing and their efforts in going well beyond their role to make sure students get every chance in life.

Now more than ever is the time to appreciate our teachers and the fantastic work they are doing. I am honoured to be part of these Awards and to play my part in acknowledging teachers for the incredible job they do.'

Steve Munby 

Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust