Great teachers don’t just educate. They inspire confidence, nurture ambition, and help young people discover what they are capable of achieving.
That’s why we’re delighted to celebrate Natalie Stewart of Hadley Learning Community, who has been awarded the Big Bang Competition’s EUK Education Teacher Award 2025, following a nomination from two of her former students, Alex and Jodi.
The recognition is particularly meaningful because Alex and Jodi’s nomination reflects the lasting impact Natalie has had on their journey as young innovators and changemakers.
A Journey Shaped Through the Big Ideas Programme
Alex and Jodi first connected through the Big Ideas Programme (BIP), where they developed not only their entrepreneurial skills but also a friendship built around a shared passion for creating positive change. They made it all the way to the National Final with their idea Eco Sublime, which aimed to create flood defences and recycle flood water into drinking water for those with damaged infrastructure, and came away with the Schofield Award.
Natalie played a key role in supporting them throughout their experience. Her encouragement and commitment helped create an environment where their ideas could flourish, inspiring them to continue developing their skills long after their first involvement with BIP.
The impact of that support extended well beyond a single programme. Motivated by their experience, Alex and Jodi went on to develop a second Big Idea the following year and continued working alongside Natalie, attending sessions with current BIP students while refining their project.
Alex, Jodi and their team mate at the Big Ideas Programme National Final in 2025
Their innovation journey eventually led them to the Big Bang Competition, where they entered their new Big Idea and achieved recognition as finalists. We welcomed them back to our 2026 Big Ideas Programme National Final as alumni speakers to inspire the next cohort of young innovators.
Recognising the Teachers Behind the Success
While student achievements often capture the headlines, those successes are frequently made possible by dedicated educators working behind the scenes.
For Alex and Jodi, Natalie’s support, encouragement and belief in their potential made a lasting difference. Their decision to nominate her for the EUK Education Teacher Award highlights the vital role teachers play in helping young people develop the confidence to pursue ambitious ideas.
The award, presented as part of the wider Big Bang celebrations, recognises educators who go above and beyond to empower their students and champion innovation, creativity and personal growth.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Natalie’s award is a reminder that the impact of education extends far beyond the classroom. By fostering curiosity, collaboration and confidence, teachers can help shape life-changing opportunities for young people.
We are proud to celebrate Natalie’s achievement and the positive influence she continues to have on her students and wider school community.
Congratulations, Natalie, on this well-deserved recognition.