A MODERN foreign language teacher from Tavistock College has been selected as a finalist in the Regional South West Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award.

Crispin Chambers, head of Japanese, has been teaching at the college since 1996 and was promoted to his current role in 2002. He has always inspired and encouraged his students and part of his inspirational work included establishing the college's Japanese exchange programme that gives students a unique cultural experience.

Head teacher Helen Salmon said: 'I am delighted that Crispin's attitude, experience and skills as a teacher have been recognised by the 2013 Pearson Teaching Awards.

'We are all incredibly proud to have Crispin at Tavistock College and this is reinforced by the fact that it was not only me who nominated him for this award, but students too.

'Tavistock College has changed considerably over the years and the positive attitude and dedication and passion that teachers like Crispin show, have a huge impact on the college's success.

'I am delighted that the hard work of teachers and students alike is being recognised externally by awards such as these and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that he makes it to the finals in London.'

The Teaching Awards encourages pupils to praise those who have helped make a difference to their education. As a regional finalist, Crispin Chambers will be visited at school by the judging panel, but will have to wait until May to learn whether he has made it to the televised awards ceremony in October.

Success seems to be running through the school, with a team of its business studies students recently making it to the national finals of Coca-Cola's Real Business Challenge.

Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, president of the Teaching Awards, said: 'I am genuinely proud and honoured to be the president of the Teaching Awards. I owe so much of what I have done to my fantastic teachers at school and university and it is exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all.'

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK and sponsors of the 2013 Teaching Awards, said: 'All young people deserve the very best chance to make progress in their lives through education.

'That is why we believe it's vital to recognise inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation.'