An inspiring new photography exhibition celebrating the achievements of some of the UK’s most inspiring educators will feature David Jones from Pembrokeshire College in Haverfordwest, recognising the impressive contributions they have made for their students and the wider school community.

The exhibition entitled ‘The Gallery of Greats’ was created by the charity The Teaching Awards Trust to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It is being delivered in collaboration with photographer and part-time teacher, Donna Bridgewater, and Pearson, the world’s leading learning company. The exhibition will take place at All is Joy Gallery, 75 Dean Street, London on 13 November 2023 for one day only.

For over six years, David has passionately served vulnerable learners with diverse needs. He’s on a mission to empower every learner, celebrating their skills, talents, and diversity, reflecting his motto ‘let us show you what our students can do’. With a wealth of experience, he dedicates 100 hours of his spare time annually to support and coach young adults, including those in the justice system, to shine in competitions. Outside his job, he launched a unique independent living competition which allows learners with complex needs to showcase their talents and gain national recognition for their skills and abilities. He was applauded for his ability to empower students and break down barriers.

Each ‘The Gallery of the Greats’ portrait captures educators in their natural environments, highlighting their dedication and passion for shaping the lives of young people. David is pictured with some of his students having fun while they learn to manage day-to-day tasks outside the classroom.

The striking collection tells the story of 10 inspiring educators from across the UK, all of whom have been shortlisted to win a Gold Award at this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards, which will be announced and celebrated at a glittering Awards ceremony on 25 November and showcased on BBC’s The One Show from 20th – 24th November.

Sharon Hague, Managing Director of Schools at Pearson says: “On the 25th anniversary of the Teaching Awards Trust, this exhibition is a touching visual representation of the inspiring contribution made by educators up and down the country on a daily basis. We’d like to congratulate the Teaching Awards Trust on its 25th anniversary; it’s a privilege to sponsor and support the work they do to celebrate and uplift our nation’s teachers.”

Mary Palmer, CEO of the Teaching Awards Trust says: “At the Teaching Awards Trust, our mission is to celebrate and value the impact of education and highlight the life-changing influence educators and school leaders have. This exhibition visually showcases the impact teachers have on pupils and the innovation and enthusiasm they bring to the classroom day in and day out. We are delighted to work with Donna and All is Joy to bring the Gallery of Greats to life and provide a reminder to people of the important role teachers play in everyday life.”

David Jones says: “It is so rewarding to see my students succeed and believe there are no barriers to their learning. I am delighted to be able to spread this message by being nominated for a Gold Pearson National Teaching Award and featured in this photography project.”

Donna Bridgewater, whose photography is being exhibited, is a teacher herself at a specialist college in Coventry where she witnesses the positive impact of great teaching daily. This inspiration led her to embark on this latest project to photograph a diverse range of educators who represent the pinnacle of their profession.

Donna explains, “I was truly inspired by all the teachers I met and photographed. I hope my work gives visitors a rare insight into the daily routines of the education profession, whilst conveying the enthusiasm, expertise, and nurturing environment educators create every day. I knew my final portraits would be a genuine reflection of the very best educators in the UK. Although I’m a teacher myself, getting to know the people I photographed has opened my eyes to the enormous breadth of responsibility they take on, and the incredible ways they can change young lives for the better.”

Recently shortlisted for the Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Exhibition 165, Donna’s photography business started in 2018 with funding from the Prince’s Trust.