A Bicester teacher has won a silver medal for her work outside the classroom.

Linda Ellard

Linda Ellard, acting head of science at Cooper School, in Churchill Road, was presented with the Teaching Awards prize for South East of England community teacher, at ceremony at the Guildhall in London, for her work organising after school initiatives in science, technology and drama.

It was the second time she had been nominated but the first time she was shortlisted. Mrs Ellard said: "It was absolutely unbelievable and so nice to be recognised for doing a good job by your peers and have that recognition outside.

"We had a wonderful champagne reception and lunch at the Guildhall. It was a nice feeling, and everyone was supportive."

Earlier this year three pupils who worked on an after-school science project collected awards in national competition and one of her students was the overall winner.

A former chemist, Mrs Ellard trained as a teacher 12 years ago at Cooper School, where she has worked ever since.