Jolie received a surprise visit from BBC’s The One Show to celebrate her outstanding achievement in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards.
She has been named the overall Gold Winner of the “Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School” award, often described as the “Oscars of the teaching profession.” The exclusive reveal aired on The One Show ahead of an awards ceremony on Saturday 29th November. You can watch the episode on BBC iPlayer.
Since joining Varndean School, Jolie has transformed the drama department through inspirational, fully inclusive productions that encourage every student to take part and thrive. More than 250 students are involved in her productions, working across acting, music, choreography, stage management, lighting and costume design. For Jolie, the real success lies not in the final performance, but in ensuring every student feels seen, valued and confident.
Jolie was stunned when West End star Jodie Prenger travelled to Brighton to present the award during rehearsals for School of Rock. She was also delighted by a special video message from Hollywood star Jack Black.
Chosen from thousands of nominees, Jolie has been recognised for her exceptional dedication to her students and her wider community.
At Varndean, Jolie exemplifies care, dedication and an inspiring approach to teaching that ensures every student feels they belong. Many students benefit from her innovative and inclusive methods, which not only foster academic growth but also nurture confidence and community spirit. Her inspiration reaches far beyond the immediate community, as she inspires students and offers support to colleagues across local schools through her work with TTSA (Thrive Together Schools Alliance). We are incredibly lucky to have a teacher whose passion and commitment make such a lasting difference to so many young lives.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration that honours the incredible achievements and transformative impact of educators. Run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, and sponsored by Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, the awards shine a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place on Saturday 29th November and was hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin. The event brought together winners across 16 categories, alongside industry peers, colleagues and special guests, including Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.
We want to thank Jolie for her dedication to the Varndean School community, as she represents our community nationally for her incredible work in education.
