Latest news with #ThankATeacherDay
Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Winchester College head criticises ‘patronising' Phillipson
The head of Winchester College has criticised Bridget Phillipson over Thank a Teacher Day. Elizabeth Stone took aim at the Education Secretary's policies, saying the amount of red tape in education was 'so excessive'. On Wednesday, Ms Phillipson released a video paying tribute to the profession by giving a 'massive thank you' to teachers across Britain. In it, she spoke to a number of primary school children, asking them who their favourite teacher was. The video finished with her saying how she 'knows the difference that brilliant teachers make' and how the Government's recruitment drive would 'set up all of our children to achieve and thrive'. "What difference do you think teachers make?" This #ThankATeacherDay Education Secretary @bphillipsonMP asked pupils at Lordship Farm Primary School about their brilliant teachers. We're getting more teachers in classrooms, supporting children, through our Plan for Change. — Department for Education (@educationgovuk) June 18, 2025 The day of recognition was also announced in an email alongside a video montage featuring a host of famous faces – including the likes of Dame Helen Mirren, Alan Titchmarsh, Michael Morpurgo and Ms Phillipson herself – who all thanked an old teacher. In her accompanying email, Ms Phillipson wrote: 'Think about the young lives you're helping to shape. Think about the brighter futures you're helping to build. 'And know that you have the thanks of the entire country – today, and every day.' However, its release was criticised by Ms Stone, the head of the independent boarding school in Hampshire. She labelled it 'marketing' from a 'political leader whose work is not exactly making the lives of thousands of pupils and teachers easier'. The Australian teacher claimed that serious professionals would be 'unmoved' by the DfE's message of appreciation. Posting on social media, she said: 'I get it. Not a lot of money to spend on education, so perhaps it's worth attempting to raise morale by emailing a video. 'Even if some find it patronising, there's no real harm done.' She continued: 'But here's another idea that requires little [to] no government spending and could really make a difference to teachers: slash the layers of over-regulation and the culture of excessive compliance and risk-aversion in schools.' Ms Stone said teachers would love to be paid more, but would like 'workload relief' just as much, and in some cases more. 'The regulatory/compliance regime in education is now so excessive that it acts, in my opinion, to the detriment of the profession and of the children we serve,' she added. 'Without spending a penny on buildings or salaries, this government could bring about massive improvement for the profession.' The Government is embroiled in a High Court battle over its VAT policy after parent groups argued the tax raid is discriminatory. Earlier this year, the Independent Schools Council accused ministers of having 'underestimated' the impact of its controversial VAT tax policy, which the Government hopes will raise £1.8 billion a year by the end of the decade. High Court documents obtained by The Telegraph previously revealed that Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, was warned Labour's levy on fees could cause an additional 100 private schools to shut over the next three years – something the Government had never admitted in public. Ministers toyed with a later start date for the tax but ultimately decided to go with the course of action labelled by civil servants as 'the most disruptive' to 'maximise revenue'.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
This Morning's Cat Deeley leaves fans open-mouthed as she reveals her REAL name live on air
Cat Deeley left fans open-mouthed as she revealed her real name on This Morning on Wednesday. The 48-year-old presenter made the surprise confession during a heartwarming segment celebrating Thank A Teacher Day, where she was reunited with her former primary school teacher. Cat and co-host Ben Shephard had been listening to children share stories about their favourite teachers at a school in Surrey when the emotional surprise unfolded. Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own teacher from her school days, appeared via video link - and casually referred to her by her real name, catching viewers off guard. Addressing the star, she said: 'Her name is Katie.' Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: 'Because you of course know her as Katie.' Cat, who received a glowing report from Mrs Cotterill, revealed that her real name is Catherine. She went on to share that she was known as Katie during her childhood - a far cry from the name fans have come to know her by over the years. 'Well my real name is Catherine, but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff,' she said, adding: 'Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!' Giving her feedback on Cat, who was delighted to see the familiar face, Mrs Cotterill said: 'She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person.' Cat grew up in Birmingham, attending Grove Vale Junior School before moving on to Dartmouth High School. At just 14, she made it to the national finals of a modelling competition run by the BBC show Her success led to a modelling contract - and it was during this time that her name was shortened to Cat, marking the start of her career in the spotlight. Cat and Ben were unveiled as the new faces of This Morning last year, stepping in to replace long-time presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Ben said at the time: 'This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It's an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job. 'For the last ten years I've been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat... 'Welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.' Cat added: 'This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it's on, it's like having your friends over - funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships!... 'This Morning is and always will be the viewer's show. 'Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we're going to do our best to take care of it.' Cat previously fronted a whole host of shows, including So You Think You Can Dance? in the states. During this time she settled down with Irish comedian Patrick Kielty, and the couple share two sons, James and Milo. The family used to live in Los Angeles for 14 years, but decided to make the UK their home after a terrifying mall shooting a few years ago. Given the commonality of shooting incidents within the school system, it prompted Cat and Patrick to think twice. 'Fear was part of this,' Cat told the Daily Mail's You magazine about leaving the US.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
This Morning's Cat Deeley reveals her REAL name as she's reunited with her old teacher live on air
THIS Morning's Cat Deeley has stunned fans by revealing her real name live on air. Cat, 48, made the confession as she was reunited with her old teacher in celebration of Thank A Teacher Day. Advertisement 6 Cat Deeley's real name has been revealed Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 It came as she reunited with her former teacher Credit: ITV 6 Cat was delighted to see Mrs Cotterill Credit: ITV Cat and her co-star Ben Shephard had been hearing children talk about their teachers at a primary school in Surrey when she was given the surprise. Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own primary school teacher, suddenly appeared via video link - and she referred to Cat by her real name. Addressing the star, she said: "Her name is Katie." Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: "Because you of course know her as Katie." Advertisement Cat went on to explain that her real name is Catherine, but that she was called Katie when she was growing up. "Well my real name is Catherine but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff," she said. "Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!" Cat was delighted to see her former teacher and she was given a glowing report by Mrs Cotterill. Advertisement The teacher, who is from Birmingham, said of Cat at school: "She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person." Cat grew up in Birmingham and attended Grove Vale Junior School, followed by Dartmouth High School. Watch the moment Cat Deeley leaves Hollywood superstar Ben Stiller stunned live on This Morning When she was 14, she reached the national finals of a modelling competition with BBC programme The Clothes Show. She was signed by a model agency and it was then that her name was changed to 'Cat'. Advertisement Bosses at the model agency decided it would be easier to give her a nickname when it came to clients rebooking her. Cat later moved into television, landing a spot on popular kids' show SMTV: Live alongside Ant and Dec. She went on to become one of a few UK stars to crack America after bagging the job of host on So You Think You Can Dance?. In 2023, Cat was brought in as a guest presenter on This Morning following the departure of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Advertisement Cat - who has two children with her Irish TV star husband Patrick Kielty - was later made the ITV show's permanent host alongside Ben. 6 Cat's first major TV role came alongside Ant and Dec on SM:TV Credit: PA:Press Association 6 Cat met King Charles in 2002 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 6 Cat later hosted So You Think You Can Dance? in the US Credit: TOM GRISCOM
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
This Morning's Cat Deeley reveals her REAL name as she's reunited with her old teacher live on air
THIS Morning's Cat Deeley has stunned fans by revealing her real name live on air. Cat, 48, made the confession as she was reunited with her old teacher in celebration of Thank A Teacher Day. 6 6 Cat and her co-star Ben Shephard had been hearing children talk about their teachers at a primary school in Surrey when she was given the surprise. Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own primary school teacher, suddenly appeared via video link - and she referred to Cat by her real name. Addressing the star, she said: "Her name is Katie." Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: "Because you of course know her as Katie." Cat went on to explain that her real name is Catherine, but that she was called Katie when she was growing up. "Well my real name is Catherine but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff," she said. Cat was delighted to see her former teacher and she was given a glowing report by Mrs Cotterill. The teacher, who is from Birmingham, said of Cat at school: "She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person." Cat grew up in Birmingham and attended Grove Vale Junior School, followed by Dartmouth High School. Watch the moment Cat Deeley leaves Hollywood superstar Ben Stiller stunned live on This Morning When she was 14, she reached the national finals of a modelling competition with BBC programme The Clothes Show. She was signed by a model agency and it was then that her name was changed to 'Cat'. Bosses at the model agency decided it would be easier to give her a nickname when it came to clients rebooking her. Cat later moved into television, landing a spot on popular kids' show SMTV: Live alongside Ant and Dec. She went on to become one of a few UK stars to crack America after bagging the job of host on So You Think You Can Dance?. In 2023, Cat was brought in as a guest presenter on This Morning following the departure of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Cat - who has two children with her Irish TV star husband Patrick Kielty - was later made the ITV show's permanent host alongside Ben. 6 6 6
