National Teaching Award Whitstable Shortlist

We're proud to announce that our Subject Leader for Dance at The Whitstable School has been recognised as among the very best in the country after being shortlisted for a prominent national award.

Mrs Amy Payne, Subject Leader for Dance at The Whitstable School in Kent, has been named a finalist in the ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ category at the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026. It is a significant feat to be shortlisted from the thousands of nominations across the country each year. 

Mrs Payne joined The Whitstable School in January 2025 and made an immediate and significant impact on students and colleagues through her passion for dance and commitment to inclusive education. 

Having achieved a First-Class degree from Trinity Laban and trained at the Royal Academy of Dance, Mrs Payne pursued a career in performance. However, her career followed a change in direction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a knee injury led her to move away from performance and into a newfound love for education.

At The Whitstable School, Mrs Payne has inspired students to develop confidence, resilience and creativity through movement. 

She has established both very popular junior and senior dance companies and led large-scale performances, including the recent ‘Movie Magic’ showcase and ‘Matilda’, choreographing productions involving more than 100 students. Mrs Payne also sourced and hand-sewed many of the costumes, so it was a truly immersive and enriching experience for students. 

Mrs Payne’s nomination highlights her ability to combine high-level subject expertise with a deeply inclusive approach, creating a culture where students of all abilities can thrive. 

Mrs Payne is also a mentor to other staff and a form tutor, and she has been widely praised for building confidence and fostering a strong sense of community, with many students now crediting dance as a key part of their personal development. 

Mrs Payne said:

“I feel incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for this award. Dance has always been a huge part of my life, and being able to share that passion with young people is a privilege. I have long been inspired by the ability to communicate without words through dance and bring people together through a shared sense of creativity and purpose.

“What I value most in my role is seeing students grow in confidence, find their voice and take pride in what they achieve. This recognition really belongs to the students who inspire me every day.”

Alex Holmes, Headteacher at The Whitstable School, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Mrs Payne has been shortlisted for this prestigious national award. In a very short space of time, she has transformed dance at The Whitstable School and created an environment where every student feels included, valued and empowered to succeed. 

“Her dedication, talent and care for our young people make her truly exceptional, and we are so proud to see her recognised at this level. Mrs Payne is truly the teacher every student deserves.”

Students added:

“We've learnt so much from Miss - so many different styles, genres that I didn't know before - it's like it's a whole new subject." 

"Dance is my favourite thing. It's really helped me with my confidence in everything."

The winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced on National Thank a Teacher Day (17 June 2026).