THE winner of Secondary Teacher of the Year was selected for the extra work she does to provide unique experiences and important life lessons for her students in the classroom.

Sajeela Shah, who teaches Humanities at Bingley Grammar School, organises an annual visit from Arek Hersh, a survivor of the Holocaust during the Second World War, who comes into the school to share his life story and lessons for students.

Ms Shah was put forward for the award by Shipley MP Philip Davies, who has worked with Ms Shah to give students interested in pursuing careers in politics the chance to visit Parliament and learn more about Britain’s political system.

He described Ms Shah as an “inspiring and enthusiastic teacher”.

Ms Shah said: “I feel so humbled by the award, to be up against such incredible nominees, words cannot explain how I feel.

“I was shocked to be nominated, and being nominated for reasons I’m so passionate about, the enrichment work I do, you don’t do it for awards but it’s lovely to be recognised for work you feel so strongly about.

“Extra-curricular and enrichment work is crucial for me, it gives life lessons to students

“Arek Hersh coming in and telling his story, education is not just about academic results, it’s about skills and life lesson and caring for each other.

“That is what I learnt from Arek when I met him at university, to be a kind and more respectful human being, and that he can come into school and share those lessons, and I can organise enrichment work is something I feel very strongly about.

“It’s about getting students involved too, such as exploring careers paths in areas like politics.”

Highly commended in this category were Simon Clemmett of Hanson School, and Betony Camm of Bradford Forster Academy.