Hethersett Academy awarded STEM Educator of the Year 2024

Each year, excellence in the energy sector is recognised at the East of England Energy Awards. This year among industry leaders, OPITO, sponsored a new award – STEM Educator of the Year 2024.

Hethersett Academy were recognised for their excellence in STEM teaching with the OPITO “STEM Educator of the Year Award”. Awarded for excellence in school delivery of Engineering, Design and Technology, Work experience and Energy careers education, the prize also included £2,500 for the academy.

This award was introduced to identify and discover schools and colleges that deliver the very best in STEM education. Hethersett Academy has been recognised for fantastic teaching and initiatives, inspiring STEM excellence in pupils, increasing participation in STEM subjects and connecting pupils to careers through teaching. The award was open to schools and colleges across the East of England, a region that is recognised as one of the most diverse for energy industries.

Kirsten Hume, Event Coordinator at OPITO said:

“STEM educators are the driving force behind this vision—igniting curiosity, inspiring excellence, and opening doors to endless possibilities. Hethersett Academy demonstrated that dedication and impact go far beyond the classroom, shaping the minds that will lead us into a sustainable and innovative future.

Hethersett Academy showcased a unique project which demonstrated the variety of careers available throughout the energy sector in an interactive manner. Their diverse approach allowed the young people to showcase their findings to industry and allowed them to network with future employers, which can be a rare but impactful interaction.”

The Design and Technology department at Hethersett Academy is led by Kate Finlay, who also works closely with other schools at Inspiration Trust to enhance Design and Technology teaching across the family of schools. The opportunities pupils have to experience work in industry and a broad curriculum, enables students to have confidence in their next steps. The team at Hethersett Academy are continually innovating to provide an excellent environment for learning, recognised by this fantastic award.

Kate Finlay, Head of Design and Technology said:

“The whole team are so excited to be given this recognition of achievement. It enables us to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful people we have engaged with over many years, the staff, the companies, colleges and most importantly the amazing pupils we get to work with and watch flourish.”

Jane Diver, Principal at Hethersett Academy said:

“We are extremely proud to be recognised for our amazing Design and Technology department at Hethersett Academy. We are constantly evolving and providing students the chance to embrace fantastic opportunities. The team work hard to nurture our students’ interest in D&T and engage all children in a curriculum that is innovative, creative and inspiring, supporting them to follow their passions.”