Winners
Overall Winner and East England Winner
Elizabeth Carr
Elizabeth was selected for her academic rigour and engaging teaching. She brings history to life through storytelling and sensory experiences, using music, images and objects like spices to explore the early British Empire.
She creates powerful learning moments, including First World War battlefield visits, and broadens perspectives with topics like the Mali and Mongol empires and overlooked voices
Sarah-Jane Bee, South East Winner
Sarah-Jane Bee impressed judges with her creative and thoughtful curriculum design. She uses role play and decision making games to immerse students in historical worlds, from the feudal system to the Paris Peace talks.
She also led an investigation into Henry VIII’s little-known visits to Reading. Beyond her classroom, she inspires local primary pupils, including through a mock archaeological dig.
Alasdair Bright, North East Winner
Alasdair has been recognised by the judges for creating an inclusive history curriculum rooted in local heritage.
Through his pupil leadership group, the ‘Heritage Heroes’, children research Newcastle’s past and, with the help of local families, have created walking tours in more than 20 languages, shared across the community via QR codes in GP surgeries, libraries and shops.
Shellie Brown, Wales Winner
Shellie’s entry stood out for the joy, curiosity and community in her history lessons. Pupils became active historians, investigating their school’s story, collecting over 100 survey responses and working with local historians and builders.
Their curiosity, including about the missing school bell, extended beyond the classroom, and funds from the Christmas market will install a modern bell to keep the story going.
Alice Solomons, North West Winner
Through her dedication to storytelling, debate and immersive activities - such as virtual reality experiences of First World War trenches - the judges praised Alice’s approach which has raised the engagement of history within Sharples School.
Under her leadership, the subject has become one of the school’s most popular GCSE subjects with uptake rising 622% since 2019.
Fionnuala Glover, Scotland Winner
Judges praised Fionnuala for using digital innovation to bring diverse historical perspectives into her school, making history engaging and accessible for all students.
She led the creation of fully digital lesson resources supporting translation and collaboration. Known for creative teaching, she inspires students through projects like Minecraft reconstructions of Celtic settlements and AI-generated history podcasts.
Jasmine Kaur, London Winner
In a SEND setting where every learner’s needs differ, judges praised Jasmine’s commitment to inclusive history teaching. She adapts lessons so all students can engage with historical stories, using role play, games and local enquiries to explore diverse perspectives.
During Black History Month, students interviewed family members and presenting their oral history project in assembly, inspiring a wider programme of student led celebrations.
Elaine McPeake, Northern Ireland Winner
Elaine’s creativity and passion for history impressed the judges. She designs immersive lessons—from recreating Anne Frank’s bedroom and WWI trenches to Renaissance “Dragon’s Den” invention pitches.
She also helped students build a Museum of Childhood, where they researched historical toys and interviewed staff about their memories. The exhibition was later shown at the Ulster Museum, sharing students’ discoveries with the public.
Dave Slaughter, South West Winner
Dave was recognised for his transformative impact and commitment to inclusive history. Working with local archives and heritage sites, he helps students uncover powerful local stories and challenge misconceptions about Gloucestershire.
He also champions history regionally, supporting access to the Gloucester History Festival, organising the first Gloucester History Schools Festival, and founding the Gloucestershire Hustings for the Great Debate.
Joanna Smith, Central England Winner
Joanna was praised for putting students at the centre of learning through creative approaches. She transformed 1600s Massachusetts witch trials into a six-week interactive experience, with students taking community roles to explore the period’s tensions.
She also runs family workshops, enabling pupils to investigate their own histories, feel immersed in the past, and gain confidence in shaping their understanding.
The Inspiring History Teaching Awards celebrate teachers who make history exciting, inclusive and meaningful, bringing the past to life and inspiring students to see the world differently. Created by Historic Royal Palaces and delivered in collaboration with the Historical Association and organisations across the UK, these awards are all about shining a light on amazing teachers.