Maths teacher Nicola is the best in the UK
including providing extra lessons for students and always going the extra mile to give them the support they need to achieve highly.”
Ms Whiston is known for her innovative methods, and gets her pupils to engage using social media – a method that has seen the school’s maths Instagram profile reach nearly 800 followers.
Nick Hudson, chief executive Officer of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), said: “It is absolutely fantastic that Nicola Whiston has been recognised with this hugely prestigious award.
“Her inspiring leadership of the academy’s maths department has played a huge role in driving forward the academy’s success and ensuring that students achieve strong outcomes.
“I know that OCA is keen to share their insights and best practice in maths with other academies across the OAT network and this is something we will be looking to facilitate.
“This award is truly a testament to everything that has been achieved at OCA over the last year and the academy’s commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or starting point, fulfil their potential.
“It has been another exceptional year for Ormiston Chadwick Acad- emy and Nicola is a well-deserving winner.”
Ms Whiston said: “I am delighted to have received this award.
“It is a huge honour, not just for me, but for my fantastic colleagues in the maths department and the wider team at OCA, without whom this would not have been possible.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff across the academy, our dedicated, hard-working students and their parents and carers, for their tireless work.
“At OCA, we are all extremely passionate about maths and work hard to ensure that it is an engaging and exciting subject that all students enjoy learning and do well at.
“As a result, our students continue to achieve highly in maths and outperform their peers, exceeding the national average.”
The lead judge for the maths award commented: “What really impresses me about Nicola is her unwavering desire to improve, and to keep improving, both herself and the outcomes for the students she teaches.
“Such dedication and passion is an inspiration to all.”
TES editor Ann Mroz said: “The shortlists were particularly strong so all those who have won an award should be very proud – it’s an extraordinary achievement.”