A TEACHER from Ferndown was surprised by The One Show's Roman Kemp as secondary school teacher of the year.

Oli McVeigh, assistant headteacher and director of English, ethics and media at Ferndown Upper School, has been recognised as the gold winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

The reveal was featured on BBC’s The One Show on November 27 ahead of an awards ceremony the following weekend.

Oli has helped his pupils achieve outstanding GCSE and A-level results and has shaped the Boys’ Programme alongside the University of Ulster.

The programme features mentorship, external speakers and safe spaces to explore masculinity and mental health, with Oli’s work impacting education nationwide.

Selected from thousands of nominees, Oli was invited to BBC’s Broadcasting House for a radio interview on boys’ mental health but was instead surprised with his award by Roman Kemp.

He was joined in the studio by students and received a special message from singer Tom Grennan.

The remaining winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced on The One Show throughout the week.

Roman Kemp said: “It was fantastic to meet Oli and invite him to The One Show studio to surprise him with his Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School Gold Award.

“It’s clear that he’s an incredible teacher who goes above and beyond to support his students academically, as well as looking out for their mental health and wellbeing.”

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The impact of a great teacher can be life-changing.

“We can all remember that one teacher who influenced our lives, whether it was just in that moment or something that we have carried with us.

“That’s why these awards are so important.

“The devotion of all of those who work in education is clear from the entries we receive year after year, and 2024 was no different.

“I am delighted to be able to congratulate all of this year’s Pearson National Teaching Award winners.

“Their exceptional efforts continue to inspire us and enrich the young lives they impact daily.”

Sharon Hague, managing director of school assessment and qualifications at Pearson UK, Bridget Phillipson, education secretary and Dr Elise Ecoff, chief education officer at Nord Anglia Education, sponsor of the award for teacher of the year in a secondary school, also congratulated Oli.

Entries for next year’s awards are now open on Pearson National Teaching Awards website.