A BRADFORD teacher has been honoured by Oxford University for the inspirational role he played for one of his former students.

Adam Pothecary, an English teacher at Bradford College and who is from Steeton, Keighley, was one of 10 state school teachers recognised in Oxford’s annual Inspirational Teachers Awards.

He was nominated by current Oxford student Rocco Memery.

The teachers were honoured by the university at an event at St Peter’s College, which recognised their efforts supporting pupils who were successful in getting places at the prestigious university.

Rocco, 22, is from Bradford and studying English at Harris Manchester College, Oxford.

He spent much of his childhood and adolescence in Greece, arriving back in the UK when he was 19.

“He’s probably the single most influential tutor I’ve ever encountered,” he said.

“Mr Pothecary, who insists to everyone that they call him by his first name, was clearly dedicated to his subject and eager to share his love of literature with his students.

“There were no wrong answers, no interpretation too extreme, or too silly.

“I have enjoyed a personal friendship with Adam that has outlived my A-level course and accompanied my journey to university.

“When he learned I was applying to Oxford, he worked overtime to ensure I had his personal reference and that my application was sent off in time.

“I have lost count of the conversations we have had outside of college hours, discussing entrance exams, interviews and reading lists.

“Adam has been there for me each step of the way.”

The Inspirational Teachers scheme recognises the crucial role teachers and careers advisers play in encouraging talented students in their schools or colleges.

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A selection of current first-year Oxford undergraduates were asked to nominate teachers or careers advisers who inspired them to apply to Oxford, fostered their passion for a particular subject, or supported them through the application process.

The students were all from selected UK state schools or colleges with a limited history and tradition of sending students to Oxford.

Dr Samina Khan, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach, said: “We hear from current students at Oxford about how their teachers supported and encouraged them, not only through the excellence of their subject teaching but also by helping students believe in themselves, and believe that Oxford could be for them.

“I would like to see more students from all regions and all backgrounds applying to us.

“They might be the first person in their school to apply to Oxford, or even the first person in their family to apply to university at all – it’s their skills and hard work we are looking for.”