A TEACHER from the Castle School in Thornbury has been honoured with an award at the House of Lords in London for her efforts to inspire her pupils.

Rachel Beddoes was presented with the STEMNET Leadership award by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, BBC Journalist Steph McGovern and STEMNET’s CEO Kirsten Bodley during a ceremony to recognise those in the UK dedicated to motivating people in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, collectively referred to as STEM.

“I was really delighted to receive this award but I wouldn't have won it without the fantastic input of so many others,” said Mrs Beddoes at the ceremony.

“This award is really the work of a whole team at school who have got behind the idea of STEM and showing students that what they do at school is really important for their future lives.”

The awards body said: “Rachel Beddoes has enthused pupils, parents and colleagues. She has found funding for many school STEM initiatives and even for her own position.

“Rachel has engaged local business, found pupils work experience and has developed STEM engagement beyond the school and for students in the wider community.”

As part of the prize for winning, Mrs Beddoes and the other award winners will receive an exclusive visit to the CERN facility in Geneva to witness the cutting edge of science and meet some of the world’s top scientists.

Castle School headteacher Peter Smart said: “I am thrilled that Rachel has received this award in recognition of the school’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“The work that Rachel leads provides a great number of opportunities for our students and brings together the worlds of education, business and research.”