An inspirational headteacher from Caerphilly has been honoured with one of the highest accolades in UK education, winning a Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement. Lynn Griffiths of Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili was revealed as a winner on BBC's The One Show, ahead of a star-studded ceremony in London.
A Career Dedicated to Welsh Language Immersion
Lynn Griffiths has devoted his entire professional life to Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, where he has become a nationally recognised champion for bilingualism. Through pioneering language immersion techniques, he has ensured that hundreds of pupils leave the school as confident, fluent Welsh speakers. His expertise in leadership and language development is so highly regarded that it has been sought by Estyn, the Education Achievement Service (EAS), and the Welsh Government.
The educator received the stunning news during a live surprise event at the Langham Hotel. He was left speechless when Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden, who also hails from Caerphilly, made a special appearance to congratulate him. He was then whisked away to a television studio for an emotional reunion with two of his children and fellow Gold Winners.
The 'Oscars' of Teaching Celebrate Excellence
Selected from thousands of nominations across the country, Lynn's award recognises his exceptional contribution not only to his students but to the wider community. The Pearson National Teaching Awards are often described as the 'Oscars' of the teaching profession. They are run by the independent charity, the Teaching Awards Trust, and sponsored by Pearson, the lifelong learning company.
The awards aim to spotlight the transformative impact of educators, including teachers, support staff, and early years practitioners. Further winners are being announced nightly on The One Show at 7 pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The celebration culminates in a glamorous ceremony on Saturday, 29th November at The Brewery in Central London, hosted by broadcaster Gaby Roslin.
Praise from Leaders and Peers
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, praised all winners: "Education is built on the steady, often unseen work of dedicated individuals... The Pearson National Teaching Awards give us the chance to recognise and celebrate that commitment."
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, added: "Behind every confident student or changed life, there’s an educator who made it possible. This is a celebration of excellence at the highest level."
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, offered her congratulations: "I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Lynn Griffiths on this thoroughly deserved recognition. Lynn's approach to Welsh language immersion has equipped hundreds of pupils with confidence and set a benchmark for educational excellence across Wales."
Lynn Griffiths's Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement stands as a powerful testament to a career spent innovating in Welsh-medium education and inspiring generations of learners in Caerphilly and beyond.
