Meet the teachers who inspire and encourage

For the third year in a row, the University of Cambridge has awarded prizes to teachers who’ve put in extra effort to help their students secure a place to study on a degree course. Five teachers were nominated by their former students who wanted to see them recognised for helping to steer them on the path to higher education. Each student spoke about their dedication and their desire to see and develop their potential.

REACHING CAMBRIDGE

Nicola Craig teaches at the St John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. She was nominated for the Reaching Cambridge award by Francesca Marrocco who’s now studying Law at Peterhouse. She described Mrs Craig as a role model who helped her settle on her university subject choice.

Nicola says: “Francesca's hard work and determination has led to her tremendous academic achievement and I am so proud of her. I am honoured that she feels I played a part in her journey to Cambridge. She has always had a genuine desire to learn, but more importantly to put that learning to a useful purpose.  I am inspired by the knowledge that Francesca will use her success to benefit others.”

STUDENT SUPPORT CHAMPION

Jo Pearson teaches at the Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Bridgend, Wales. She was nominated for the Student Support Champion award by Natasha Leeson who has just completed her first year reading Psychology and Behavioural Sciences at Girton College. Natasha described Jo’s dedication to her job and students as admirable and she said many of her pupils keep in touch with her after they leave.

Miss Pearson says she’s happy to be part of a team that takes a student’s academic career path so seriously:

“Tasha’s resilience, commitment and championing of others, in the light of continuing personal wellbeing issues, was awe inspiring and the contributions she made to the whole life of the school made her a real asset to Sixth Form and a joy to teach. She achieved A* in all her A levels and I was delighted when she achieved her place reading Psychology and Behavioural Science at Cambridge.

"I am a small cog in a very big wheel of educators and support staff for whom being a part of each student’s academic and personal journey is a 24/7 vocation and true privilege.”

SUBJECT STAR

Dan Lyndon-Cohen teaches history at Park View School in Tottenham, London. He was nominated for a Subject Star Award by Surajat Bello, now a student at Newnham College studying History and Politics. She said he made history more accessible, particularly Black British history, and consistently gave encouragement.

He says: “It was special to be nominated by Surajat, who had left the school four years before (we don't have a 6^th Form) and was part of the cohort that ended their year 11 early because of Covid.

"Spending the day with Surajat will live long in the memory, she is such a wise, driven and grounded woman, who has grabbed all the opportunities that have come her way. She is a really inspiring role model for our students.” 

SUBJECT STAR

Tim Harrison is a Science teacher at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge, Suffolk. He was also nominated for a Subject Star by Barney Steventon-Barnes who’s now reading Medicine at Emmanuel College.

Tim is thrilled to see Barney now studying at Cambridge:

“It’s humbling to have been nominated for this award by a former student. My aim each day is to give my students a good experience.

"Teaching Barney was straightforward! He was so capable and keen to learn that he just needed pointing in the right direction. I am thrilled that he now has the chance to spread his wings at Cambridge."

FOUNDATION YEAR

Another award was presented to Tom Lloyd from Dudley College of Technology in the West Midlands. He was nominated for a special award to mark the support he gave to Elijah Denning to get a place on the University’s Foundation Year. Elijah has now completed the course with a Distinction meaning he’ll remain in Cambridge to do his full undergraduate degree. Congratulations Elijah! Read more about this particular award.

The awards were presented by the University's Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, Mike Nicholson: "It is clear that the teachers who were recipients of the Inspiring Educator Awards have made a major contribution to the outcomes of the students who nominated them.

"The engagement and support given by the teachers provided students with the confidence to make their application to Cambridge and explore the super-curricular elements of their chosen subject.

"The Inspiring Educator Awards recognise the significant contribution that teachers make, particularly where students have limited prior experience of higher education."

Each award winner went home with a certificate and £300 cash prize for their school to spend on books or equipment.

Published 18th July 2025

_{The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License}