Let Teachers SHINE: 24 talented teachers shortlisted for 2026 awards

Twenty-four exceptional teachers have been shortlisted for this year’s Let Teachers SHINE awards.

Each has developed an innovative proposal aimed at improving education and breaking down barriers to learning. The successful applicants could receive up to £25,000 in funding, alongside tailored expert support to help turn their ideas into impactful, sustainable initiatives.

Beginning on Monday and continuing over the next two weeks, each shortlisted teacher will present their proposal to a panel of experts. Those judged to have the strongest potential for impact will secure funding and ongoing guidance to bring their projects to life.

Let Teachers SHINE is an annual competition run by the education charity SHINE, supporting early-stage projects focused on overcoming the challenges that prevent disadvantaged children from achieving their full potential.

Previous winners include Bruno Reddy, creator of Times Tables Rock Stars, and Lucy Huelin, founder of Vocabulous.

This year’s finalists – predominantly from the North of England – have put forward projects spanning maths, English, science, cross-curricular learning and early years education, all designed to improve outcomes for pupils.

Fiona Spellman, CEO of SHINE, said: “Each year, we are inspired by the creativity, commitment and insight shown by applicants, who see the barriers facing their pupils first-hand and are determined to overcome them.

“Let Teachers SHINE exists to back those ideas at an early stage, providing the funding and expert support teachers need to turn promising concepts into practical solutions that can make a lasting difference for disadvantaged children.

“This year’s finalists truly represent the very best of that ambition and innovation.”

The finalists:

  • Jason Amoo-Gottfried, Christ the King Sixth Form College: MathsbyColour
  • Anzelika Bowmer, Monkhouse Primary School: Mini Scientists’ Lab
  • Chana Brown, Manchester Jewish School for Special Education: Concrete to Abstract
  • Shayne Elsworth, Bede Academy: Cultural Reading for GCSE Success
  • Sarah Featherstone, Blossom: Ready To Thrive – The Blossom School Readiness Programme
  • David Glynne-Percy, Unity College: Cycles of Engagement Writing Course
  • Lucy Green, Birkby Nursery & Infant School: Movement Based Pedagogy
  • Colin Griffiths-Williams, Standish Community High School: MethodMath
  • Sean Harris, Tees Valley Education: Right to Rest: Tackling sleep inequality for pupils facing hardship
  • Matthew Harper-Duffy, Hove Junior School: Local History Hub
  • Alex Jacques-Williams, Parrs Wood High School: Variation to overcome variance in outcomes
  • Vallimayil Krishnappan, Wexham School: Logic MasterMind
  • Catherine Lenahan, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School: The Green Street Gang (EYFS education) comic project
  • Tara Markham, Stockport Academy: Noticed
  • Thomas Martell, Petteril Bank: Nullius in verba: how scientists learn about the world
  • Karl McGrath, Benton Park Primary School: LoopED – Animated Science
  • Jack Nelson, Kepier School: Maths Bridge
  • Darren Partington, St Mary’s and St Thomas: A Journey to Automaticity
  • Liz Rayment, Gosforth Academy: STEM up North
  • Matt Revill, Woodsetts Primary School: AI for Access: Adaptive Teaching to Close the Gap
  • Wendy Ross, Riverside Primary School: Boblication
  • Debbie Shorthouse: SELLF Pilot Project
  • Mehmet Suleyman, Bromley Trust Academy: SHINE Read+: Personalised Interactive Reading for Secondary Pupils
  • Stuart Yates, St Augustine of Canterbury: My PE Diary
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