Surrey Educator Revealed as Winner of FE Lecturer of the year on BBC’S One Show

Lisa Charles, Lecturer at Nescot College in Epsom, has been recognised as the Gold Winner of the Award for FE Lecturer of the Year in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards, considered the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession. The exclusive reveal was featured on BBC’s The One Show on Friday, ahead of a glamorous awards ceremony which took place on Saturday.

For over 13 years, Hairdressing Lecturer Lisa has inspired learners from all backgrounds to achieve their potential. As well as being an inspirational mentor, she set up projects to teach students while they helped others in the local community. Her work with charities and in local hospitals enabled students to offer a boost to homeless people and geriatric ward patients, while she also established a pop-up hair and beauty salon to pamper children undergoing chemotherapy and their families. Passionate about giving back, she’s forged partnerships with the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Toni & Guy, L’Oréal, and the Salvation Army, offering students real-world experience and purpose.

During the programme, Presenter Matt Allwright gathered past and present students, community members, and a Royal Marsden nurse who works in the children’s cancer ward where Lisa volunteers, to surprise her with a gold award, capped off with special messages from her favourite musician Jools Holland and Sir Stephen Fry.

Selected from thousands of nominees, the Surrey-based Educator has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to both students and the wider community.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot said: “Lisa is an incredible teacher and mentor, who helps Nescot students be the best they can be while also being an innovative force for good. Her community projects are about hope and connection, as much as they’re about haircuts. People feel seen and cared about, and each student who learns from Lisa aims to follow in her footsteps combining professionalism, skill and compassion. Lisa’s work has a positive ripple effect, and this gold award highlights how she changes lives far beyond the classroom.”

Lisa Charles said: “I was gobsmacked when the film crew burst into my lesson. With so many incredible nominees nationwide, I feel really honoured to have won this award. I’m so proud of my students, who’ve wholeheartedly supported those in hospital or the homeless shelter, really understanding how a bit of care and compassion can make a big impact. Nescot have been brilliant too, letting me run with all my ideas and allowing students that real world experience that’s so valuable.”

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.

Winners were announced across the week on The One Show (7 pm, BBC One and iPlayer) and at the prestigious awards ceremony on Saturday 29th November. The glittering evening, held at The Brewery in Central London, was hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin and brought together silver winners across 16 categories, alongside industry peers, colleagues and special guests, including Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “Education is built on the steady, often unseen work of dedicated individuals – teachers and school staff who show up every day to make a difference. The Pearson National Teaching Awards give us the chance to recognise and celebrate that commitment. This year’s entries were, once again, full of powerful stories of creativity and care. My congratulations to all of this year’s winners, you remind us what a vital role education plays in shaping lives and futures.”

Sharon Hague, CEO, Pearson UK, says: “Behind every confident student or changed life, there’s an educator who made it possible. The Pearson National Teaching Awards shines a spotlight on the inspiring individuals whose influence has gone far beyond the classroom. This is a celebration of excellence at the highest level, and we are thrilled to be able to recognise these achievements. Congratulations to all of this year’s Gold Winners!”

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, says: “Teachers and school staff are the heart of our education system, inspiring young people and helping them to achieve and thrive. These awards are a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact great educators have, because the path to national renewal runs through our schools. My warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees – your hard work, care, and commitment shape futures, and I’m proud to work with you to break down barriers to opportunity.”