AN Acton teacher is in the running to win a Pearson National Teaching Award for Excellence in the Special Needs category

Paul Morris, Head of Art, Graphics and Design at the North West London Independent Special School in East Acton, is one of 87 short-listed nominees in the education sector’s Oscars.

Paul is nominated for a Silver Award for his work with some uniquely complex and vulnerable students.

He is described as creating an atmosphere of calm and interest in a classroom where all students can experience themselves as artists.

Silver Award winners go forward to compete for one of 14 Gold Awards, to be announced at a televised ceremony.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards were founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of young people.