BCoT's Digital Team Honoured with Silver Pearson National Teaching Award
The College is delighted to announce that the Digital Team has won a prestigious Silver Award for Transformational Use of Digital Technology at this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards. This national recognition celebrates BCoT's pioneering and innovative approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching, learning, and student support.
The strategic implementation of AI platforms and technologies across the college has yielded significant benefits, including improved student grades, enhanced student confidence, and increased time for teachers to engage directly with their students.
The Silver Award was presented by Claire Rogers, Vice President for Transformation and Delivery from Pearson. Having been chosen from thousands of nominees across the UK, BCoT's Digital Team now stands a chance of winning the highly coveted Gold Award. The Gold Award winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony in London later this year, with an announcement also featuring on BBC One’s The One Show.
BCoT's journey with AI began with a pivotal moment when a student passionately advocated against the unchecked use of AI during their studies. This ignited a college-wide debate and prompted a proactive approach to addressing and harnessing AI's potential.
Scott Hayden, Head of Digital at BCoT, commented: “It was clear that AI was not going to stop, and we needed to embrace it. But in a way that would enhance our teaching, empower students, and ensure equitable access. The introduction of Google Gemini, Canva AI, and other personal AI learning tools has profoundly impacted how we work as a college and helped our students reach their full potential. We are very proud to receive this award, which is a testament to the team’s hard work, but also the willingness of our colleagues and our students to embrace AI.”
Demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible deployment, BCoT has also established an "AI Ethics Group" and introduced robust governance policies. The College has also actively supported other educational institutions in introducing the use of AI in the classroom, sharing its expertise and best practices.
BCoT is one of 94 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and institutions to be recognised as a silver winner in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards, acknowledging the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people. The announcement of the winners coincides with National Thank a Teacher Day, a celebration of the entire education community.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity founded over 25 years ago. The charity's mission is to celebrate the transformative impact of education and highlight the pivotal roles educators play in inspiring young people every day.
Dr. Elise Ecoff, Chief Education Officer at Nord Anglia Education, sponsor of the Award for Transformation Use of Digital Technology, extended her congratulations: “Those who harness technology most effectively in education have the power to supercharge learning, unlock potential, and transform outcomes. Nord Anglia Education is proud to sponsor this award celebrating educators who lead the way in using digital tools to elevate teaching and learning. Congratulations to this year’s Silver Award winners, your creativity and dedication are shaping the future of education!”
This significant achievement highlights BCoT's dedication to innovation and excellence in education, ensuring its students are well-prepared for the future.