AN inspiring teacher is in line to win a prestigious award after students nominated him online.

John Andrews, who teaches health and social care at Featherstone High School in Southall, is shortlisted in the Pearson Teaching Awards Secondary School Teacher of the Year category.

The honour follows a series of thank-you notes posted by pupils to Mr Andrews on the Thank A Teacher website, which is supported by educational publisher Pearson. Each note submitted over the year was counted as a nomination for the exceptional teacher.

The 30 year-old, who is also the school nurse, said: "I am absolutely humbled and honoured that my students have nominated me. Teaching health and social care is very worthwhile, especially seeing my students progress into university or jobs related to health and social care."

Mr Andrews, who has taught at the school for seven years and volunteers with St John Ambulance, was selected as a finalist from more than 20,000 nominations.

Kamal Thacker, deputy head at Featherstone High, said: “John has truly bridged the attainment gap for his students. He has done this through determination, dedication and tailored support and I commend him for being the super role model he is.”

Winners will be announced on May 16 as part of Thank a Teacher Day.

The official awards ceremony will be shown on BBC2 in the autumn.