Northampton teacher who helped pupils reach their dreams wins prestigious gong

Neil Tobin was presented with a Silver Award of the Pearson Teaching Awards yesterday.

The engineer, whose was nominated in the in the FE lecturer of the year category, was one of 55 winners picked from thousands of nominations across the UK.

Neil will now join fellow Silver Award winners at the UK grand final at London’s Guildhall on October 23, for a chance of winning one of 10 Gold Awards.

Mr Tobin said: “Even being nominated was such a privilege and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from former and current students.

“Winning really is the icing on the cake, for myself and Northampton College.”

A social media surge of praise followed news Mr Pearson had been nominated.

Former student Sean Morris posted: “Your knowledge, support and encouragement is the reason I managed to get into university and graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. You deserve this.”

Karen Whitehead posted: “As a mature student returning to study not only did you give me the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer you also made me feel very welcome.”

Northampton College graduate Matthew Quincey, also posting on Facebook, added: “Neil played a huge part in me getting a job at Mercedes F1, for which I’m very thankful.”

Neil’s nomination for the award was endorsed by the Principal Pat Brennan-Barrett, who told the judges: “Many of his students have commented on the fact that he is the best teacher they have ever had. He is a source of inspiration for students and colleagues alike.”

The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching and are designed to recognised outstanding heroes of education.