Beccles teacher honoured for inspirational work by Oxford University

Mary Bradford, physics teacher and director of school improvement at Sir John Leman High School, was nominated by one of her former pupils and picked up the award at St Hugh's College earlier this month, presented by professor Andrew Hamilton vice-chancellor of the university.

The award scheme recognises the crucial role teachers and careers advisers play in encouraging talented students in their schools or colleges.

Former pupil Lily Goodyer Sait, said she nominated Mrs Bradford not only for the support she received in achieving a place at Oxford, but also for the hard work she puts in with all her students to get higher grades.

Mrs Bradford said: 'I didn't know I had been nominated so it was a very pleasant surprise.

'It was really nice to have a student think about me after they had left the school and gone onto the next stage of their life.

'We were treated to a champagne reception at the ceremony followed by a meal at the college. The whole thing was magnificent.'

The winning teachers received a trophy and certificate, along with a £100 book token donated by Oxford University Press.

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.

'We think it's important to recognise those teachers whose dedication really made a difference in pushing students to have confidence in their academic abilities and aim for the top, no matter what.'

Mrs Bradford has been a teacher at the school for 18 years,

Sir John Leman High School headteacher Jeremy Rowe congratulated Mrs Bradford on her achievement and said she had the conviction that education can make a difference to students' lives.