Deputy headteacher named among UK's Top 100 Most Influential People 2026

A local deputy headteacher has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Most Influential People for 2026 - celebrating a career marked by exceptional leadership, dedicated service and far-reaching impact on both school, community and beyond.

Steve Hill MBE is widely respected as an education leader, philanthropist and adventurer and currently serves as Deputy Headteacher at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Shaw.  

He is the Founder of Team Hill Charitable Trust, a charity delivering life-changing projects both locally and in Uganda, including school construction and development, clean water well projects in remote communities and vital healthcare initiatives that improve and save lives. 

Steve also serves as Chairman of the Uganda Marathon, using sport as a powerful catalyst for positive social change, bringing together participants from around the world to support grassroots community projects. 

A sought-after motivational speaker, Steve inspires audiences with messages of resilience, purpose and service.  

As an accomplished adventurer, he has been voted among the Top 10 Explorers and is the author of the best-selling book What’s Next Sir? 

His dedication to children and young people as a teacher for 30 years is further reflected in his role as an Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and as a recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award. 

Awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to Education and Charity in 2025, Steve has built a reputation for integrity, vision and unwavering commitment to making a difference. 

This latest accolade as one of the UK’s Top 100 Most Influential People further cements his standing as a transformative figure in education, philanthropy and global development — reflecting his professional achievements and recognising the lasting impact of his life changing work across communities in the UK and beyond. 

On being named in the Top 100 Most Influential People for 2026, Steve said: “I feel incredibly honoured and deeply humbled to receive this recognition.  

“Any impact I’ve been able to make has only ever been possible because of the unwavering support of my family, friends, colleagues, supporters of Team Hill Charitable Trust and the wider community who have always encouraged me every step of the way. 

“I’m especially grateful to the wonderful children and young people I’ve had the privilege of teaching over the years — they are my daily inspiration. This recognition belongs to them all and those who continue to support and encourage me in everything I do – Thank you!”