Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Teachers honoured for inspiring students to Oxford success

Twelve state school teachers from across Britain have been honoured as 'inspirational teachers' by Oxford University.
It's part of an awards scheme designed to recognise and show appreciation for inspirational teachers from state schools and colleges.

The teachers were recognised for their efforts supporting pupils who were successful in getting places at the university. The teachers were all nominated by current first-year Oxford students.

Oxford's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Hamilton, presented the awards, and said: "It's hard to over-estimate the impact a good teacher can have in encouraging and raising the aspirations of students over the course of their careers. Winning a place at Oxford takes hard work and dedication, and having the support of a committed teacher is for many students what makes the difference in pushing them to apply and make the strongest application they can. I hope this award will send the message that students and universities recognise how valuable the role of a supportive teacher can be."

Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Oxford, said: "The Inspirational Teachers Awards are a way of recognising the importance of school or college teachers in encouraging bright students to realise their potential and make a successful application to Oxford, especially those who might not have initially believed they were Oxford material."

Most of the students who submitted nominations this year were the only ones at their school with the academic ability to apply to Oxford, and might not have even considered applying. 

The award scheme, now in its third year, recognises the crucial role teachers and careers advisors play in encouraging talented students in their schools or colleges. A selection of current first-year Oxford undergraduates were asked to nominate teachers or careers advisors for the award who inspired them to apply, fostered their passion for a particular subject or supported them through the application process. The students were all from selected UK state schools or colleges with a limited history and tradition of sending students to the university.

The winning teachers and nominating students were:
Dyfed Bellis, Maths teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Pontypool
Nominated by Christopher Williamson, who is studying Mathematics at St Edmund Hall
Simon Collings, Head of Sixth Form at Boroughbridge High School
Nominated by Joseph Miles, who is studying PPE at Wadham College