Inspirational Teachers Award
Since 2010, the University of Oxford has run a scheme to recognise inspirational teachers from UK schools and colleges.
This award scheme recognises the crucial role teachers play in encouraging talented students in their schools or colleges. Each academic year, current first-year Oxford undergraduates from UK state schools or colleges with a limited history of sending students to Oxford are asked if they would like to nominate an inspirational teacher.
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.
In 2020 the University of Oxford is honouring ten teachers with an award. All were nominated by students currently in their first year at Oxford.
Inspirational Teacher Award Winners 2020
Congratulations to all this year's winners and nominated teachers!
Abigail Newell, formerly of Consett Academy in Consett, Durham, North East England. Nominated by Chloe Walker studying Medicine at Brasenose College.
Elisabeth Igbokwe of Enfield Grammar School in Enfield, Middlesex, South East England. Nominated by Sean Sinanan studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Mansfield College.
Leanne Straw of Quarrydale Academy in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands. Nominated by Bryony Toon studying Law at Brasenose College.
Lisa Dixon of Jesmond Park Academy in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East England. Nominated by Hisham El Edrissi Reyahi studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Somerville College.
May Sharp of Caledonian University Advanced Higher Hub in Glasgow, Scotland. Nominated by Christopher O'Neil studying History and Politics at Brasenose College.
Michael Jones of National Church of England Academy in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands. Nominated by George Newton studying Modern Languages at Hertford College.
Natasha Hunt of Coundon Court School in Coventry, West Midlands. Nominated by Jane Keenleyside studying English Language and Literature at Keble College.
Stephanie Fontaine, formerly of All Saints Catholic School in Dagenham, London. Nominated by Mari Preka studying Geography at Brasenose College.
Stuart Macaulay of Rooks Heath College in Harrow, Middlesex, South East England. Nominated by Fathiya Abdillahi studying Classics at Queen’s College.
Dr Tracey Sweet of Brixham College in Brixham, Devon, South West England. Nominated by Sophie Glover studying Biomedical Sciences at University College.
Media and Press Coverage
2020
- Hub's May wins Oxford University Inspirational Teacher Award
See all our previous winners on our Oxford People Videowall.
If you have any enquiries regarding the awards, please contact teachers@admin.ox.ac.uk
Aims of the Awards
To recognise the crucial role teachers play in encouraging talented students in their schools or colleges.
To encourage more applicants from students in schools with a limited history and tradition of sending students to Oxford.
Selection Criteria
When assessing the submissions, the panel were looking for inspirational teachers who:
- Fuelled the student’s enthusiasm for their subject
- Offered practical help in preparation for/during the application process
- Went above and beyond the remit of their regular workload to emotionally and practically support the student
- Encouraged and motivated their brightest students to achieve their full potential
- May have challenged stereotypes regarding the Oxford application process
- May have encouraged the student to apply to Oxford in the first place
- Contributed to raising the aspirations of the student and other students in their school to consider Oxford/Higher Education more generally
The Panel
Dr Samina Khan - Director, Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach
“The Inspirational Teachers Awards recognise the vital work of teachers in encouraging students to realise their academic potential and make a successful application to Oxford – especially those who might not initially have believed Oxford was for them. Teachers motivate and inspire students with a huge range of abilities and interests, and this year’s winning teachers also showed clear faith in all their students. They have inspired students with their creativity and enthusiasm to be the best they possibly can be and deserve recognition for that above all.”
Professor Martin Williams - Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
“Any Oxford academic will tell you that working with our lively, talented students is one of the most inspiring parts of the job. We know that, in turn, inspirational teachers have played a vital role in those students’ lives, helping them to build their intellectual confidence and passion for learning. These awards recognise some truly exceptional teachers, who have made a massive positive impact on their students. My warmest congratulations to all this year’s award recipients.”
Trevor Mutton - PGCE Course Director, Department of Education, Oxford
“I have the privilege of working with teachers on a day-to day basis and therefore know what a difference inspirational teachers can make to the lives of those they educate. The teachers receiving these awards represent the very best of their profession; not only have they ensured that their students have fulfilled their academic potential, but they have also acted as exemplary role models, inspiring a passion for learning and demonstrating genuine concern for the young people in their care. Those receiving these awards can be justifiably proud of what they have achieved.”
Nominate your inspirational teacher for an award.
First year Oxford undergraduate students are eligible to nominate your inspiring school or college teacher at www.ox.ac.uk/ouita