A NORTH-EAST teacher has passed on the credit to his students after he won a national award.

Dominic Webber, who teaches English at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, said he was ‘overwhelmed’ at winning the ‘Most Inspirational Teacher’ honour in the Shine School Media Awards 2023.

The father-of-two was nominated by members of the school’s student newspaper, the Hummersknott Academical, for the award, which recognises ‘the excellence of a teacher in leading the development of an editorial product produced by pupils’.

Owen Ovens, the paper’s 15-year-old editor, said: “We nominated Mr Webber for Most Inspiring Teacher in recognition of his endless hard work and inspiring effect on our news team. He has been with the newspaper from the start, and he’s there to lead and advise us all no matter what happens.”

Mr Webber said: “I was really touched just to be nominated by Owen and the team in the first place, that’s what mattered the most. The truth is that the students’ achievements far outshine anything I have done and, in fact, it’s they who inspire me.”

The judges said: “This is a genuine and heartfelt nomination that reflects Mr Webber’s personable and supportive nature. His impact is holistic, as he instils leadership and life skills in his team, inspiring his team creatively and supporting them practically, empowering them to control work-life balance without losing sight of the project.

“The final publication reflects an authentic pride in the school community, as he fosters a sense of belonging through his inclusive and caring approach to leadership.”

After winning Rising Star of the Year at last year’s awards, the Hummersknott Academical was shortlisted this year for both Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, coming second in both categories. Owen was also named the runner-up for the Terry Mansfield CBE award for ‘Tomorrow’s Talent’.

James Keating, Hummersknott’s executive principal, said: “This award is thoroughly deserved, and is a testament to the incredible work that Mr Webber puts in, not only with our fantastic school newspaper team, but every day with every Hummersknott student.”

Head of School, Nick Merifield, said: “It is an incredible achievement for a secondary school to receive such national recognition for the second successive year, and a fantastic result for Mr Webber.

“We are very, very proud of the whole Academical team and the quality of what they produce speaks for itself. A big thank you to another group of talented young people and to the staff who have guided and inspired them.”