Key Points
- Oladisun Majekodunmi, foundation learning programme lead at West London College, won a Silver Award in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category of the Pearson National Teaching Awards
- The award was presented during a ceremony at Hammersmith and Fulham College on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, coinciding with National Thank a Teacher Day
- Karen Redhead OBE, principal and chief executive of West London College, and Alex Combes, curriculum development manager at Pearson, presented the award
- Majekodunmi works with students having autism, ADHD, visual impairments, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties
- He adapts lessons to make learning more accessible and has helped students participate in poetry projects, public performances at Riverside Studios, and collaborative work with Transport for London
- The award places him among 99 teachers, lecturers, and education professionals recognised across the country
- Majekodunmi is now in the running for a Gold Award, with winners to be announced later in the year
- West London College has campuses in Ealing, Southall, and Hammersmith
- The SEND and Inclusive Practice award celebrates those transforming inclusion and creating life-changing opportunities for SEND pupils and their communities
- Gold winner will be announced at the end of November 2026, either live on The One Show or at the UK Ceremony
Ealing (West London News) June 18, 2026 — A West London College lecturer who helps students with complex educational needs overcome barriers to learning has won a national teaching award, placing him among 99 education professionals recognised across the United Kingdom on National Thank a Teacher Day.
- Key Points
- Who Is Oladisun Majekodunmi and What Award Did He Receive?
- How Was the Award Presented and Who Presenting It?
- What Does the SEND and Inclusive Practice Category Celebrate?
- What Is Next for Majekodunmi After Winning Silver?
- Where Is West London College Located and What Campuses Does It Have?
- What Collaborative Projects Has Majekodunmi Supported?
- What Are Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
- Background of the Development: Pearson National Teaching Awards and SEND Recognition
- Prediction: How This Development Can affect West London College Students and the SEND Education Community
- How Will This Affect SEND Educators Across the UK?
- What Are the Implications for Future Gold Award Competition?
- How Will This Influence West London College’s Reputation?
Who Is Oladisun Majekodunmi and What Award Did He Receive?
Oladisun Majekodunmi has been named a Silver Award winner in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category of the Pearson National Teaching Awards, as reported by West London College in their official announcement on 17 June 2026.
The foundation learning programme lead teaches at the college, which has campuses in Ealing, Southall and fulham/hammersmith/">Hammersmith, and received the award during a ceremony at Hammersmith and Fulham College on Wednesday (17 June 2026).
Mr Majekodunmi works with students who have a range of additional needs, including autism, ADHD, visual impairments and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
Alongside adapting lessons to make learning more accessible, he has helped students take part in poetry projects, public performances at Riverside Studios and collaborative work with Transport for London.
How Was the Award Presented and Who Presenting It?
He was presented with the award by Karen Redhead OBE, principal and chief executive of West London College, and Alex Combes, curriculum development manager at Pearson.
Karen Redhead OBE serves as Chief Executive and Principal at West London College since September 2018, according to her LinkedIn profile. Alex Combes holds the position of Curriculum Development Manager at Pearson/Edexcel.
The award places him among 99 teachers, lecturers and education professionals recognised across the country on National Thank a Teacher Day.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, marks National Thank a Teacher Day, providing an opportunity to honor educators and support personnel from educational institutions throughout the United Kingdom.
What Does the SEND and Inclusive Practice Category Celebrate?
The SEND and Inclusive Practice award celebrates those transforming inclusion and creating life-changing opportunities for SEND pupils and their communities, as stated by The Pearson National Teaching Awards on Instagram.
This award celebrates those who champion not only academic success but also emotional and social development, embedding inclusive practices that inspire future generations.
Nominees must have worked in this area for a minimum of three years and be able to show clear evidence of the impact their efforts have had.
Their work must reflect a deep commitment to creating environments where all learners, regardless of their background or needs, can thrive.
What Is Next for Majekodunmi After Winning Silver?
He is now in the running for a Gold Award, with the winners due to be announced later this year. The category Gold winner will be announced at the end of November 2026 either live on The One Show or at the UK Ceremony taking place at the end of the week’s BBC coverage. All certificate recipients and Silver Winners were announced on Thank a Teacher Day on 17th June 2026.
Where Is West London College Located and What Campuses Does It Have?
West London College has three colleges in Ealing, Hammersmith and Southall, each equipped with facilities designed to give students real-life work experience, on courses taught by industry experts. The college campuses include:
- Hammersmith & Fulham College at Gliddon Road, Barons Court, London W14 9BL
- Ealing Green College at The Green, Ealing, London W5 5EW
- Southall Community College at Beaconsfield Road, Southall, London UB1 1DP
At West London College, they help over 10,000 students achieve their career goals each year.
What Collaborative Projects Has Majekodunmi Supported?
Majekodunmi has helped students participate in public performances at Riverside Studios and collaborative work with Transport for London.
To celebrate World Poetry Day, Transport for London (TfL) displayed excerpts from winning poems from West London College’s ‘Student with Voices’ competition.
This collaboration demonstrates how Majekodunmi extends his influence beyond the classroom to ensure positive citizenship among his students.
What Are Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
A child or young person has special educational needs and disabilities if they have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need special health and education support, shortened to SEND.
SEND can affect a child or young person’s ability to learn, including their behaviour or ability to socialise, reading and writing, ability to understand things, concentration levels, and physical ability.
The SEND Code of Practice 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 gives guidance to health and social care, education and local authorities to make sure that children and young people with SEND are properly supported.
Background of the Development: Pearson National Teaching Awards and SEND Recognition
The Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026 recognised education professionals across the United Kingdom for their lasting impact on shaping the lives of young people.
The Award for SEND and Inclusive Practice is open to all staff working in alternative provision, special and additional needs environments teaching children up to age of 18.
All entries must be submitted online by 5.00pm on Friday 27th February 2026. The maximum word count for entries is 1000 words (with an additional thousand in the additional info box).
Silver Winners represent outstanding commitment to transforming inclusion and creating life-changing opportunities.
Previous Gold Winner Becky McClean won for Excellence in SEN, now renamed SEND and Inclusive Practice, celebrating those transforming inclusion and creating life-changing opportunities for SEND pupils and their communities.
TCES North West London celebrated in June 2024 their Maths teacher winning a Pearson’s Silver National Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education.
Prediction: How This Development Can affect West London College Students and the SEND Education Community
This development can significantly affect West London College students with complex educational needs by validating the college’s commitment to inclusive practice. The award recognition demonstrates that students with autism, ADHD, visual impairments, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties receive high-quality support from recognised educators.
Students may gain increased confidence knowing their lecturer’s work has been nationally recognised, potentially motivating greater participation in poetry projects, public performances, and collaborative initiatives.
How Will This Affect SEND Educators Across the UK?
For the broader SEND education community, Majekodunmi’s Silver Award placement among 99 recognised education professionals across the country sets a benchmark for inclusive practice excellence. Educators working in alternative provision and special needs environments may feel encouraged that their work is being recognised nationally, potentially increasing professional motivation.
The recognition highlights that nominees must show clear evidence of impact on students’ academic and personal potential, developing ambition, optimism, and holistic development.
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What Are the Implications for Future Gold Award Competition?
With Majekodunmi now in the running for a Gold Award to be announced at the end of November 2026, other Silver Winners in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category may enhance their own practices to compete. The Gold winner will be announced either live on
The One Show or at the UK Ceremony, providing significant visibility for exceptional inclusive practice. This could drive improved standards across SEND education as professionals strive for national recognition.
How Will This Influence West London College’s Reputation?
The award strengthens West London College’s reputation as an institution putting students at the heart of everything, as stated by Principal Karen Redhead OBE. With over 10,000 students achieving career goals annually through the college’s programmes, this national recognition may attract more students with complex educational needs seeking quality inclusive support.
The college’s association with Pearson’s prestigious awards could enhance partnerships with external agencies and employers seeking inclusive education providers.
