Teacher of the Year award surprises Oli McVeigh on national TV

On November 27, 2024, a heartfelt surprise occurred during an episode of The One Show in the United Kingdom. Roman Kemp, the show's host, revealed that Oli McVeigh, an English, ethics, and media teacher at Ferndown Upper School, had been honored with the Pearson National Teaching Awards for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School. The award recognized McVeigh's extraordinary dedication and impact on his students, evident through heartfelt testimonials from both his students and colleagues. They highlighted his passion for teaching and his exceptional ability to inspire students to excel beyond their expectations. Two years prior to this recognition, McVeigh launched a mentoring program focused on encouraging positive male masculinity and raising awareness about mental health. This initiative was part of his broader commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. The emotional moments on The One Show were made even more poignant by the reaction of his colleague, Deputy Head Deneen Kenchington, who broke down in tears while describing the profound influence McVeigh has on his students. She stated that he sees students for who they truly are, which deeply moved her and inspired her own teaching. In a creative twist, Roman Kemp staged a fictional radio documentary on boys' education as a ruse to prepare for the big surprise. Unbeknownst to McVeigh, his students and colleagues had traveled to the studio in London to witness the moment firsthand. When announced as the Teacher of the Year, McVeigh expressed his astonishment, stating that such recognition was overwhelming and unexpected for someone in his position. He conveyed his gratitude for the support he received from the school community and emphasized how the surprise was jaw-dropping and an incredible honor. As an additional surprise, the show arranged a special video message from Dan Smith, the lead singer of McVeigh's favorite band, Bastille, further enriching this memorable occasion. The One Show, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, shared this heartwarming moment on social media, highlighting McVeigh's significant contributions to education. The public response was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing how dedicated educators like McVeigh are celebrated and appreciated by their peers and communities for their passion and commitment to empowering the next generation of learners.