A long-serving teacher at Milton Abbey School has been recognised in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, receiving a Bronze Award in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category.
James Ratcliffe, who has worked at the school for 19 years, was honoured as part of this year’s Thank a Teacher Day celebrations, which recognise the contribution of teachers and support staff across the UK.
Image © Milton Abbey School
Mr Ratcliffe holds several roles at the Dorset school, serving as Form Tutor, Head of Design and Creative Media, and Director of Digital Learning. During nearly two decades at Milton Abbey, he has worked with generations of pupils while also helping to shape the school’s digital and creative provision.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards celebrate individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to education, with the Unsung Hero category recognising those whose impact often extends far beyond their formal job description.
To mark the award, members of the Milton Abbey community shared their experiences of working with and being taught by Mr Ratcliffe. Their tributes were compiled into a film created by Lower Sixth pupils Greg P and Ed T.
Headmaster James Watson said: ‘If Milton Abbey had a Hall of Fame, James Ratcliffe would be in it. In his 19 years of service he has always stood out as a first-rate educator and a true example of Miltonianism – he is highly skilled in his subjects, he is always ready to help pupils and colleagues, and his films, cartoons and graphics are extraordinary. It is terrific that the biggest education organisation in the world has recognised Mr Ratcliffe’s years of humble service to the profession of teaching. We salute him!’
Mr Ratcliffe is one of a number of teachers and education professionals recognised nationally through this year’s awards programme, which highlights achievement across schools and colleges throughout the country.
The award acknowledges both his classroom work and his wider contribution to school life, reflecting a career spent supporting pupils and colleagues across multiple areas of the school’s academic and creative activities.
Milton Abbey said the recognition was a fitting tribute to Mr Ratcliffe’s commitment to education and the school community over nearly two decades of service.
