A COLLEGE teacher is certainly at the top of his class after being honoured with a national teaching award.

Scott Hayden, creative media lecturer and digital innovation specialist at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) has won a Pearson National Teaching Silver Award in the Digital Innovator of the Year, supported by Google.

Scott is one of 68 silver winners across the country and has been shortlisted to win a Pearson National Teaching Award.

His achievement was celebrated on Thank A Teacher Day on June 19.

BCoT principal Anthony Bravo, who presented Scott with the trophy, said: “I am extremely proud and delighted to present this award to Scott on behalf of Pearson UK.

“He has made an enormous contribution to the college and has been instrumental in our drive to deliver engaging teaching and learning experiences through the use of digital technology.”

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to all of our Silver Award winners being presented with a silver trophy by their pupils today.

“On Thank A Teacher Day, it’s a wonderful chance for them to say thank you to their award-winning teachers.”

The next stage for Scott is the national contest as he will join 12 other nominees for the Gold Pearson National Teaching Awards, to be held in October.

He will join fellow Silver Award winners, along with three Scottish Education Award winners and three winners of the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru, at the 21st UK ceremony of the Pearson Teaching Awards.

Mr Bristow added: “We mustn’t forget these pupils may be the next generation of teachers, and that’s thanks to the commitment of those currently in the profession.

“Recognising and celebrating teachers for the lasting impact they have on young people’s lives is crucial, and that’s why Pearson is delighted to support these awards every year.”