Languages teacher honoured with national award

A teacher from Rotherham has won a national award for his "transformative work" at the secondary school where he is based.

Josh Bartle, a modern foreign languages teacher and senior leader at Clifton Community School, was presented a Silver Pearson National Teaching Award.

Mr Bartle, who became a teacher in 2018 after having been a translator, was chosen from thousands of nominees and was named as one of the award winners on National Thank A Teacher Day.

Clifton head teacher Anna Leng praised Mr Bartle, saying: "He works so hard, day in day out, for our students and school community."

Mr Bartle was one of 93 teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions to win a silver Pearson award for "lasting impact on shaping the lives of young people", according to the Wickersley Partnership Trust, which runs the school.

A trust spokesperson said being able to speak a second language was "undervalued", and Mr Bartle was "passionate" about making sure every child, no matter their background or community, left the school able and qualified.

Ms Leng said she was "extremely pleased" at the award for the work being done by Mr Bartle.

"It's fantastic to see this being rewarded on a national level," she said.

"On behalf of everyone at Clifton, we'd like to say a massive well done."

Mr Bartle had "a huge future ahead of him and we are just so proud to have been a small part of his journey so far", Ms Leng added.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, former children's laureate and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said the dedication and impact of teachers like Mr Bartle was "truly remarkable".

Their influence "extends well beyond the classroom", he said.

All the award winners showed "extraordinary" passion and commitment to shaping the next generation, Sir Michael explained.

"National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all they do."

Mr Bartle will now be shortlisted for a gold teaching award, with the winners due to be announced in November.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North