A BASINGSTOKE teacher is in the running to become one of Britain’s classroom heroes after being shortlisted for a national award.

Marcus Rutland, who teaches chemistry at Queen Mary’s College (QMC), will attend the UK grand finale of the Pearson Teaching Awards tomorrow at The Guildhall, in London, hosted by actor and comedian Hugh Dennis.

Mr Rutland was nominated for the Further Education Lecturer of the Year award by pupils, parents and colleagues at QMC, in Cliddesden Road, and it follows his receipt of a Silver Teaching Award earlier this year for his exceptional contribution to the profession.

The ceremony, hosted by the Outnumbered actor, will be broadcast on BBC2 on October 30, and is an annual event which celebrates the very best of the UK’s teaching profession.

Ten awards, known as Gold Patos, will be handed out in various categories to celebrate exceptional teachers and teaching, recognising the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of young people.

Mr Dennis said: “I am genuinely proud and honoured to be hosting this year’s ceremony. The inspiration and support of my fantastic teachers got me to where I am today, and I look forward to joining in and celebrating other teachers’ incredible achievements.”

Ali Foss, principal at QMC, said: “Marcus is an outstanding teacher, and his skills and expertise have influenced practitioners across the college. He is constantly reflecting on ways to improve his pedagogy, and is instinctively generous with his ideas and innovations.

“His enthusiasm for new ideas and developments in teaching is infectious; Marcus is always one of the first to try out and share his findings. He has had a significant impact on the life chances of thousands of young people.”