- Certificate of Excellence awarded for inclusive practice
- Author Sir Michael Morpurgo praises teachers in personal letter
- Roehampton Hospital School rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted
Roehampton Hospital School, part of Priory Hospital Roehampton in South West London, has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards for its work in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and inclusive practice.
The award recognises the school’s outstanding work in delivering personalised education to young people aged 11 to 18 who are receiving inpatient mental health care.
Three members of the staff also received Certificates of Excellence for their individual contributions to the school.
Many students face complex emotional, behavioural or psychological challenges, and the school plays a vital role in helping them re-engage with learning in a safe and supportive environment.
The team’s efforts were recognised not only with a national Certificate of Excellence, but also with a letter from celebrated author Sir Michael Morpurgo, president of the awards and writer of children’s novels such as War Horse.
In a handwritten message to award winners, he said: “The work you do day in, day out is life-enhancing, life-changing. It is also often hard and exhausting.”
He continued: “I am writing to you to congratulate you and to thank you. For a child to have a great teacher like you is so important. You open doors, shine a light. You spend your working life passing on to children all that you know and love.”
The school, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, is led by headteacher Russell Cooper and works closely with the hospital’s multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated clinical and educational support.
He said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. It reflects the passion and commitment of our team, who work every day to ensure every student feels supported, and inspired to succeed.”
The school caters for pupils who are admitted to the hospital as inpatients for support with eating disorders and other mental health needs.
Students are offered a full curriculum, including GCSEs, A Levels, Functional Skills, Level 2 and 3 BTECs, and post-16 options, with teaching adapted to their individual needs and recovery goals.
This recognition marks a proud moment for the Roehampton team and highlights the essential contribution of specialist education in helping young people rebuild their futures.
Cherly Smith, education director at Priory, said: “This award is recognition of the inclusive, person-centred education provided at Roehampton which is extremely important to us. I am delighted for the team as it is demonstrates their dedication and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of education alongside the medical care being provided.”