College lecturer becomes first Scot to win Silver Award for Further Education Lecturer of the Year
New College Lanarkshire's Neil McMullen honoured at this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards.
A beloved Coatbridge college lecturer has become the first Scot to scoop a top accolade in the profession.
New College Lanarkshire's Neil McMullen was honoured with a Silver Award for Further Education Lecturer of the Year at this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Chosen from thousands of nominees across the UK, Neil now has the chance of winning the prized Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC's The One Show later this year.
The first Scottish lecturer to win this award, Neil first arrived at the then Coatbridge College in 1985.
Just 18-years-old, he was part of the first hairdressing class taught at the college.
Forty years later, he has helped thousands of hairdressers and barbers learn their trade and to support their clients through their lives.
His innovative approach to community-based learning has involved students working with cancer survivors and victims of domestic violence, putting those who need it most at the heart of education.
Neil is one of 94 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions recognised as a silver winner in this year's awards for the lasting impact they have had on shaping the lives of young people.
Neil said: "I can't believe this. I'm absolutely bamboozled by it.
"I've been so fortunate to work with so many amazing colleagues and students.
"I think this is really recognition for all of them as well."
Professor Christopher Moore, principal and chief executive at New College Lanarkshire, added: "Neil's career here at New College Lanarkshire clearly demonstrates the deep impact one person can have in their community.
"He is an inspiring teacher, a convivial colleague and someone who really energises our college.
"We're incredibly proud of him; this is such a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution."
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children's Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable.
"Their influence extends well beyond the classroom - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come.
"That's why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do.
"I'm also delighted to be able to congratulate this year's Silver Award winners.
"Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
8 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili teacher wins Pearson Silver Award
Lynn Griffiths from Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili was honoured with a Silver Award in the Lifetime Achievement category at the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. One of 93 educators, support staff, and institutions recognised across the UK, Mr Griffiths now has the chance to win the Gold Award, which will be announced later this year. Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children's Laureate and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. "Their influence extends well beyond the classroom - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. "That's why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do. "I'm also delighted to be able to congratulate this year's Silver Award winners. "Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. "Thank you for the difference you make every single day." Mr Griffiths began his teaching career in 1993 and has remained at Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili ever since. He has held several senior roles including deputy headteacher, headteacher, Estyn-trained inspector, challenge advisor, school improvement partner, NPQH mentor, assessor and chair. The awards were announced in celebration of National Thank a Teacher Day. Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, said: "Every day, educators across the UK go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future generation. "Today, we proudly recognise those making an extraordinary impact. "Our Silver Award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we're thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements. "Congratulations to all of this year's Silver winners." Bridget Phillipson, education secretary, also paid tribute to the teaching profession. Ms Phillipson said: "On Thank a Teacher Day, I want to celebrate the remarkable professionals who are the backbone of our education system. "Brilliant teachers make the single biggest difference to a child's education."
Daily Record
15 hours ago
- Daily Record
College lecturer becomes first Scot to win Silver Award for Further Education Lecturer of the Year
New College Lanarkshire's Neil McMullen honoured at this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards. A beloved Coatbridge college lecturer has become the first Scot to scoop a top accolade in the profession. New College Lanarkshire's Neil McMullen was honoured with a Silver Award for Further Education Lecturer of the Year at this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards. Chosen from thousands of nominees across the UK, Neil now has the chance of winning the prized Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC's The One Show later this year. The first Scottish lecturer to win this award, Neil first arrived at the then Coatbridge College in 1985. Just 18-years-old, he was part of the first hairdressing class taught at the college. Forty years later, he has helped thousands of hairdressers and barbers learn their trade and to support their clients through their lives. His innovative approach to community-based learning has involved students working with cancer survivors and victims of domestic violence, putting those who need it most at the heart of education. Neil is one of 94 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions recognised as a silver winner in this year's awards for the lasting impact they have had on shaping the lives of young people. Neil said: "I can't believe this. I'm absolutely bamboozled by it. "I've been so fortunate to work with so many amazing colleagues and students. "I think this is really recognition for all of them as well." Professor Christopher Moore, principal and chief executive at New College Lanarkshire, added: "Neil's career here at New College Lanarkshire clearly demonstrates the deep impact one person can have in their community. "He is an inspiring teacher, a convivial colleague and someone who really energises our college. "We're incredibly proud of him; this is such a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution." Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children's Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. "Their influence extends well beyond the classroom - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. "That's why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do. "I'm also delighted to be able to congratulate this year's Silver Award winners. "Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary.
Glasgow Times
21 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Local educator wins national award for cancer support work
Neil McMullen, academic leader at New College Lanarkshire, has been named a Silver winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. He scooped the award in the Further Education (FE) Lecturer of the Year category for his work in community initiatives, including a collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Care to support women undergoing chemotherapy. Read more: Celtic and Rangers in top level meeting to tackle football related disorder All the banned items from Glasgow's Summer Sessions this year 999 crews including air ambulance race to street after man 'stabbed' The Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, which aims to shine a spotlight on the "pivotal roles" teachers, support staff, colleges, schools, and early years educators play in "inspiring young people, every single day". The winners are part of a group of 93 teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and institutions across the UK who have been recognised on National Thank a Teacher Day for their contribution and commitment to education and the work they have done to improve the lives of young people. Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former children's laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. "Their influence extends well beyond the classroom - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. "I'm also delighted to be able to congratulate this year's Silver Award winners. "Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. "Thank you for the difference you make every single day." Sharon Hague, chief executive officer of Pearson UK, said: "Every day, educators across the UK go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future generation. "Our Silver Award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we're thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements." The Silver Award winners now progress as finalists for the Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One's The One Show later this year.
