The teachers going above and beyond

The University of Cambridge has again recognised the efforts of teachers in encouraging their pupils to apply, and get in, to university. Five teachers have received awards in separate categories after being nominated by current students who they taught up to Year 13. For some of these students, the path hasn’t always been easy. But with the help of these exceptional people, going above and beyond their routine duties, they achieved their true potential.

SUBJECT STAR:
Tessa Leuchars teaches French and German at Harington School at Oakham in Rutland. She was nominated by Kai Geere, who's now studying Modern and Medieval Languages at King's College. He says she "saw something in me that I didn't and when she saw it she gave so much to grow it and harness its full potential."

Tessa says "It’s so easy when you have a student who just laps up everything you say and just wants to learn so it really was a very easy job teaching Kai. We had Friday afternoon sessions, a free lesson for me, where it was a delight to talk about French literature and philosophy. It really didn’t feel like hard work at all. Winning this award really is a highlight of my 36 year career, so thank you."

STUDENT SUPPORT:

Marie Newbould teaches Maths at Carmel College in Darlington. She was nominated by Jordan Inglis who's now studying Natural Sciences at St. John's College. Jordan's mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer not long before his A-level exams. He says Marie "reassured me that I would still succeed academically...she frequently checked up on me, and she provided extra support with my Maths work."

Marie says: “I was extremely surprised and touched to be nominated by Jordan for this award. He was such an outstanding student that it could be easy to forget that he had more hurdles in life to overcome than his peers. I know that achieving a place at Cambridge, despite the challenges he’s faced, is both a mark of Jordan’s character and spirit. Jordan was a joy to teach, and I was delighted with his achievement in Maths. I have really enjoyed hearing how he has enjoyed his first year at university.”

STUDENT SUPPORT CHAMPION:

Paul Ward teaches at St Michael's Catholic Grammar School in Barnet, London. He was nominated for this award for his work supporting and encouraging Faisal Majid, who's now studying Law at Magdalene College. Faisal faced some challenges during his school years. He believes Paul helped him get through these "Without the opportunities that Mr Ward provided, and his individual support, I can say, without a doubt in my mind, that I would not have succeeded in my application."

Paul says: “Faisal was a very easy student to teach because he’s brilliant beyond description and measure. The work he did to make himself a strong applicant was phenomenal. He had some wobbles and difficulties in his personal life but I’m pleased to say that any support I was able to give him had some positive effects. It’s what we do day in, day out and I’m glad it led to a positive outcome for Faisal.”

REACHING CAMBRIDGE:

David Cartwright teaches History and Politics at Winstanley College in Wigan. He was nominated by Toni Millington who secured a place on the University's Foundation Year. She says she greatly appreciated his support in helping students from under-privileged backgrounds like herself: "I was struggling with various health and personal issues during this time, and believed that I might not be able to go to university at all, so having this support is what made applying to Cambridge seem possible."

David says: “Like my colleagues, I work very much as part of a team. Education can be transformative and it requires a team to do that and to encourage pupils to pursue their dreams. So I’d like to pay tribute to all the teachers nominated because I’m sure they go the extra mile every single day.”

REACHING FOUNDATION YEAR:

Kyle Hutchinson, from Nottingham College, won this new award. He has already been featured on this website for helping Jess Burton secure a place on the Foundation Year. He says Jess was an amazing pupil and he really wants to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.

Published 13th August 2024

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