Leeds teacher honoured with national music award at glittering star-studded ceremony

A Leeds teacher has shown he is really hitting all the right notes.

Adam Bell, who is head of arts at Springwell Leeds, has been named the 2026 Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) category.

Mr Bell was presented with his prize at Royal Albert Hall during a glittering concert hosted by Dan Walker and Myleene Klass.

The national award recognises Mr Bell’s transformational contribution to arts and music provision at the school supporting children and young people who can face complex personal circumstances.

Adam Bell, who lives in Ossett and is Head of Arts at Springwell Leeds, was personally informed of the prestigious award by Classic FM presenter Aled Jones, who praised his work with young people.

placeholder image — Adam Bell, who lives in Ossett and is Head of Arts at Springwell Leeds, was personally informed of the prestigious award by Classic FM presenter Aled Jones, who praised his work with young people.

Through his leadership, pupils are encouraged to discover a passion for music, develop their talents and gain the confidence to see themselves as musicians.

Mr Bell said: "I’m thrilled that the work we’re doing with our young people has been recognised in this way.

"It’s a testament to the efforts put in by all our staff that we can support so many of our students to engage with a broad range of musical experiences which we hope will positively shape their futures, whether as a consideration for further study or simply to use as a coping mechanism."

Mr Bell also creates live performance opportunities each year specifically designed to help pupils build self-esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement.

For some students, those experiences have had a lasting impact. One former pupil has gone on to study music at university, while other former students regularly return to support school concerts.

Scott Jacques, executive headteacher at Springwell Leeds, praised Mr Bell’s achievement and the wider impact of the school’s arts provision.

He said: "Winning a national award of this status is an incredible achievement. It is a fantastic testament to Adam’s creativity, passion, and tireless commitment to making music accessible, joyous, and transformative for our young people.

"This recognition highlights the high quality of our Arts and especially our music provision across Springwell Leeds and reflects the deep impact our staff have on our pupils' lives every single day."