A NORTHWICH teacher has been named a 'Silver Teaching Award Winner' in the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards 2015.

Andy Marshall, head of Art and Design at Sir John Deane’s College, was selected from thousands of nominations received for the Pearson Teaching Award, becoming one of just 60 winners from schools and colleges across England, Ireland and Wales.

He was presented with the award on Thank a Teacher Day on Friday, June 12.

The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching, founded in 1999 by Lord Puttnam, they recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people they teach.

Andy was nominated by deputy principal Andrew Boden, in recognition of his endless commitment, hard work and consistently outstanding results in the Art department.

Andy, who has taught at the college for 26 years, said: “I'm gratified but extremely surprised to win this award. It is a tremendous acknowledgement of not only my hard work but also that of everyone else in the department whose skill, commitment and creativity is infectious and at the heart of the departments success.

"The students also make a significant contribution, their enthusiasm and commitment being essential to any progress made."

Andy will now join fellow silver award winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards to be held at London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on October 18, where 10 silver award winners will receive a gold plato Award. The ceremony, titled 'Britain’s Classroom Heroes', will be filmed and broadcast by the BBC as a showcase of excellence in education.

Rod Bristow, president of core markets at Pearson, said: “The Pearson Teaching Awards champion exceptional teaching across the UK. All young people deserve the very best chance to make progress in their lives through education.

"That is why we believe it’s vital to recognize inspirational teaching and the heroic efforts of all teachers to help improve the life chances of the next generation.”