From PE to the great outdoors for Most Inspirational Primary Teacher Andrew

A Spalding PE specialist who became the driving force behind his school's environmental focus is the Most Inspirational Primary Teacher 2018.

Andrew Dowling, of St Paul's Community Primary School, emerged as the winner of the most closely fought category at this year's Education Awards.

With strong competition from St Paul's colleague Loretta Denman and James Batterham, of Kirton Primary School, Mr Dowling's commitment to building up a Forest School project impressed the judges most.

Their observation on the category said: "This was a desperately close decision, as well as a very difficult choice, for the judges as all three nominees are excellent teachers.

"But Andrew Dowling has gone from a PE and sports specialism to driving forward the Forest School programme at St Paul's.

"What won the judges over most was the revelation that Mr Dowling sends his pupils home 'full of their adventures and what they have learned', inspiring at least one other school in South Holland to follow St Paul's lead.

In short, Andrew Dowling is the model of what an inspirational primary school teacher should be."

Head teacher Kira Nicholls said: "Andy originally came to our school as part of a sports partnership group to support the school in improving its PE curriculum.

"But he quickly became a big part of the school and was full of ideas that he saw through to fruition with his infectious enthusiasm, inspiring pupils and staff alike."