FIRST year students at Oxford University have nominated teachers from their state schools for awards.

Ten state school teachers from across Britain were honoured by the university for being “inspirational”.

Nominated by current first year students, they were recognised for supporting pupils who gained places at the university.

Director of undergraduate admissions Mike Nicholson said: “We all remember a teacher who passed on their passion for a subject to us.

“The Inspirational Teachers Awards are a way of recognising the importance of school or college teachers in encouraging bright students to realise their potential and make a successful application to Oxford, especially those who might not have initially believed they were Oxford material.

“Most of the students who submitted nominations this year were the only ones at their school with the academic ability to apply to Oxford and might not have even considered applying.”

He added: “We think it’s important to recognise those teachers whose dedication really made a difference in pushing students to have confidence in their academic abilities and aim for the top, no matter what.”

The winners received a trophy and certificate, and a £100 book token donated by Oxford University Press.