Popular Sheffield teacher in line for top award

Bill Lynn picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Silver Teaching Awards in June in recognition of a career spanning around 36 years.

He has now been put forward for a prestigious Gold Plato Award at the UK Pearson Teaching Awards after being nominated by pupils, parents and colleagues at Firth Park Academy.

A spokesperson for Firth Park Academy said: “Bill truly remains one of the greatest ever teachers at Firth Park Academy - loved and respected by students, staff and parents.

“Tens of thousands of students have left schools having achieved beyond expectations as a direct result of Bill’s inspirational teaching.

“Over his career he has been head of English, assistant headteacher, head of PSE and for many years a head of year.

“His career has been one demonstrating fusion between a pastoral and academic focus, leading to tremendous achievement for generations of students.”

He will find out if he has won the award at a glittering ceremony held at The Guildhall in London on October 23, which will be hosted by comedian Hugh Dennis and broadcast on BBC2.

Hugh said: “I am genuinely proud and honoured to be hosting this year’s ceremony.

“The inspiration and support of my fantastic teachers got me to where I am today, and I look forward to joining in and celebrating other teachers’ incredible achievements as well.”

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, added: “A huge congratulations to the 2016 Teaching Award winners.

“Pearson is so proud to sponsor this celebration - great teaching makes the biggest difference to a child’s education and it’s incredibly important that we take this moment each year to recognise ​that.”

The Pearson Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers.