Esports tutor Joe Hopper wins prestigious Pearson award on National Thank a Teacher Day

Joe has been named a Silver Award winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards’ Transformational Use of Digital Technology category for his incredible impact on Campus.

He is among 99 outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and education settings that have been honoured as 2026 Silver Award winners, as a reward for their dedication and impact.

Joe, who completed his PGCE at York College in 2023, will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious Gold award, which will be announced at a ceremony in London and featured on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established more than 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Commenting on Joe’s achievement, York College & University Centre Assistant Director of Learning & Innovation Abby Parkin said: “Joe has led a sustained and purposeful transformation of the Esports provision at York College, embedding digital technology with integrity and clear educational purpose. Rather than introducing tools for novelty, he has redesigned the curriculum around the realities of the Esports industry, creating a structured, professional and aspirational learning experience. 

“Students now follow an industry-aligned programme that develops technical skill, academic capability and professional behaviours. 

"His impact is clear. Retention has risen from 60% in 2023 to 100%, alongside 100% achievement and students who may have disengaged previously now remain committed, successful and proud of their achievements.” 

Joe’s transformation of the college’s Esports provision has included embedding competitive fixtures into curriculum planning with students engaging in live streaming, strategy analysis, enterprise projects and the study of ethical, psychological and sociocultural issues within the gaming world. 

Under his leadership, employer links and exposure to industry-standard environments have also ensured the course maintains a strong focus on employability and progression.

His innovative use of the College’s Cube 360 immersive room, meanwhile, has seen students use the space for analysis and coaching purposes, as they are able to physically step into their environments, walk movement routes, practice callouts and evaluate tactical decisions collaboratively. 

Furthermore, Joe encourages exploration of mapping tools, mobile technologies and wider digital platforms to broaden students’ understanding of digital innovation.

As a consequence, students are progressing into a range of higher education pathways, including disciplines beyond Esports.

Through CPD (Continued Professional Development) sessions, Joe has supported fellow staff members, too, in developing their own confidence with immersive environments – an approach that colleagues have described as “pioneering”. 

His students enjoy the sense of belonging Joe has cultivated, with one commenting: “I joined with very little confidence and now I lead community management for two Esports teams. I never thought I’d be capable of that.”

Outlining how Joe, who also won the 2025 York College Digital Innovator Brilliance Award,  has strengthened academic development, another learner declared: “The course helped me develop my skills in writing long-form essays and learn about things I had no prior knowledge of, like coaching and psychology.”

Sir Michael Morpurgo, President of the Teaching Awards Trust, added: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. 

“Long before children find their voice, their confidence or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, said: "For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood. This year's Silver Award winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson paid the following tribute to the nation’s teachers and Silver Award winners: “I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives, so I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives."

To learn more about our Esports - Business & Digital Innovation Diploma course, please click here

Details on our HNC in Esports (Athlete Support and Development Pathway can be found here

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