Assistant Head of Sixth Form and English teacher at Ark Edward Davison is 'inspirational'


Oxford University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson, presents award

A local teacher has been honoured as one of ten nationwide 'inspirational teachers' by Oxford University as part of an awards scheme designed to recognise excellent teachers from state schools and colleges. Edward Davison, who is Assistant Head of Sixth Form and an English teacher at Ark Putney Academy, was nominated by former student Maan Al-Yasiri, now a first-year student studying History and Politics at Brasenose College, Oxford.


Watch Maan Al-Yasiri & Edward Davison

On Friday 6 May the teachers were honoured by the university at an event at St Peter’s College. They were recognised for their efforts supporting pupils who were successful in getting places at Oxford. The teachers were all nominated by current first-year Oxford students.

Mr Davison played a particularly central role in helping Maan Al-Yasiri get into Oxford, as the Ark Putney student was initially rejected for interview – but reconsidered after Mr Davison made the case for his talent and dedication in the face of adverse circumstances. He joined the school after being self-taught for GCSEs after his Iraqi parents fled political persecution, moving from Syria to Dubai before he ended up in London.


Inspirational teacher Mr Davison (centre) with Maan Al-Yasiri (left) and his guest Emilie Paine

Mr Davison said: ‘It is an honour to have been given this award. It was a pleasure to work with Maan over the course of his sixth form education, as it is with so many students. His offer from the University of Oxford came through a lot of hard work and determination on his part, as well as the support of a wide variety of staff at Ark Putney Academy. Young people with talent and dedication should have the chance to go to the top universities regardless of their background and Maan has set an example for many of the younger students at our school to follow. He has given belief and instilled aspirations in others and I am extremely proud of everything he has achieved.’

Dr Samina Khan, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Oxford, said: ‘As a former teacher teaching science in state schools and Sutton Coldfield FE college, I recall the demands teachers face and commitments they are expected to juggle and have nothing but the utmost respect for their tireless work. I recall my inspirational teacher from Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I Sixth Form College in Leicester, Mr Deacon: He was a young chemistry teacher with energy enthusiasm and relentless pursuit to get the best from his students and he had a sense of humour! He was part of the vibrant and diverse environment in sixth form that was my springboard into higher education and over six years in the exciting world of organic chemistry.

'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. This is particularly true for teachers who champion students who might be the only ones in their year – or even their school’s history – with the academic ability and drive to apply to Oxford. Winning a place at Oxford takes hard work and dedication, and having the support of a committed teacher is for many students what makes the difference.

‘Teachers motivate and inspire students with a huge range of abilities and needs, and this year’s winning teachers also clearly showed the highest standard of commitment to all their students. They have inspired students with their passion, creativity and dedication to be the best they possibly can be and deserve recognition for that above all. I hope this award goes some way to saying thank you.

Oxford University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson, said: ‘Inspirational teachers make a lifelong impression on their students. Every one of us, of any age, can remember a teacher who challenged and inspired us, who brought out the best in us, and motivated us to do more. Oxford's standing as one of the world's pre-eminent universities is underpinned not only by the excellence of its research against global benchmarks, but by the acknowledged quality of its teaching. Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients.’

The winning teachers received a trophy and certificate, plus a £100 book token donated by Oxford University Press, which is a department of the University.

The award scheme recognises the crucial role teachers and careers advisers play in encouraging talented students in their schools or colleges. A selection of current first-year Oxford undergraduates were asked to nominate teachers or careers advisers for the award who inspired them to apply to Oxford, fostered their passion for a particular subject or supported them through the application process. The students were all from selected UK state schools or colleges with a limited history and tradition of sending students to Oxford.

Oxford University spends more than £5.5 million each year on more than 2,200 outreach events, reaching virtually all UK schools which produce candidates capable of making a competitive application to university. Work with teachers is a key priority for the University's outreach work, including a series of regional teachers' conferences each year, a one-day event for Oxford's own PGCE programme, and working with Teach First participants.