Dave Slaughter, a dedicated history teacher from Gloucester, is feeling deeply humbled after being named one of the top 10 history teachers across the UK in the inaugural Inspiring History Teaching Awards. Organized by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the charity behind iconic sites like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace, these awards celebrate educators who bring history vividly to life in classrooms nationwide.
Having taught at St Peter’s R.C. High School for 15 years and now leading its history department, Dave was nominated by a Year 13 student who spotted the HRP awards banner at the Tower of London. “It’s been a rollercoaster,” he remarks, reflecting on assembling his portfolio and receiving heartfelt testimonials from students who weren’t surprised by his nomination.
Each winner receives a £500 personal prize and an additional £500 for their school, along with access to mental health and wellbeing workshops and memberships with HRP and the Historical Association. The list spans educators from places like London, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Newcastle, underscoring the nationwide commitment to inspiring history teaching.
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Dave describes history teaching as an endlessly rewarding career despite the challenges of an evolving curriculum. “The students love history, and we aim to transport them to different periods and worlds,” he explains. Witnessing several former pupils become history teachers themselves stands as a proud testament to the passionate team at St Peter’s.
Excitement is building for the awards ceremony on June 20 at the medieval Tower of London, where historian and broadcaster Lucy Worsley will chair the judging panel. Dave, a longtime medieval history enthusiast and Gloucester native, looks forward to visiting the iconic venue and meeting his fellow finalists.
John Barnes, CEO of Historic Royal Palaces, applauds the teachers for making history come alive, calling their passion “inspiring” for young learners across the UK. Professor James Daybell, incoming President of the Historical Association, highlights the winners’ innovative teaching methods and use of technology to engage students with history’s relevance today.
The overall winner will receive an extra £500 prize, another £500 for their school, and a lifetime membership to HRP. For Dave Slaughter, simply being recognized among such esteemed company is a tremendous honor—and a celebration of the power of passionate history teaching to shape young minds nationwide.