Harriet Wins Psychology Teacher of the Year

Published by Bootham School on Monday 24th of February 2025

Bootham School is proud to announce that long-serving Psychology teacher, Harriet Ennis, has won the prestigious Psychology Teacher of the Year Award.

The award from the British Psychological Society recognizes Harriet’s exceptional contribution to teaching Psychology during her 20 years at Bootham.

Her approach combines high-impact, evidence-based strategies that help students achieve exam success while encouraging them to think critically, explore deeply, and engage with real-world research.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Harriet said: “At Bootham, we believe education is about more than just passing exams. I focus on helping students master the skills they need to succeed so we can then explore Psychology in a deeper, more meaningful way. It’s about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a real love for the subject.”

Her students certainly feel that passion. Former pupil Effie Dodds-Aston, who achieved an A* in Psychology, shared: “Harriet showed us that academia isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind what we learn. Her classes went beyond the textbook, encouraging us to connect theory with real-life research and inspiring my passion for Psychology.”

Headteacher Dr Deneal Smith commented: “Harriet truly embodies the Bootham ethos—encouraging students to be curious, adventurous, and to enjoy learning for its own sake. We’re incredibly proud of her and delighted that her dedication has been recognised nationally.”