YOUNGSTERS at an Oxford secondary school were delighted when a teacher was named one of the country’s best.

Biology teacher Simon Bayliss, of Oxford Spires Academy, was named Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at Sunday’s Pearson Teaching Awards.

The newly qualified teacher (NQT) was one of 67 teachers shortlisted for this year’s awards after finalists were selected from thousands of nominations for teachers across the UK.

Year Eight student Hensly Clark praised Mr Bayliss, a former paramedic who joined the Glanville Road school in 2014, for transforming her life after she ran into “trouble” with other students.

The 13-year-old added: “He really connects with his students. In the past, I got into trouble and he helped me out of it.

“He put me into extra clubs and he really talked to me.

“He has really made a difference in my life. His students really appreciate and respect him.”

Mr Bayliss was handed his Gold Plato award in a surprise presentation by Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron in London.

The teacher and his pupils were on a school trip to the capital but did not know they would be heading to Downing Street, where Mr Cameron made the presentation.

Year Eight student Aaeid Ali, of Cowley, said: “All of a sudden David Cameron came in with Mr Bayliss’ Gold Plato award, which was really amazing.”

Fellow Year Eight student Ishah Ainah said she thought Mr Bayliss was an outstanding teacher for always getting the best out of his pupils.

The 12-year-old added: “He makes us feel special. I’m really proud of him.”

Principal Sue Croft said: “In 34 years of teaching I have never come across such an exceptional NQT. He works very hard, he is very warm and very professional.

“I think because Simon is so good at working with others, everybody feels that a little bit of them is in that trophy. We are enormously proud.”

Other winners gathered at London’s Royal Opera House for a glitzy prize-giving ceremony, which was hosted by television historian Dan Snow.

Actress Sheila Hancock, comedian and actor Richard Blackwood, and Judy Murray, mother of tennis player Andy Murray, were amongst the stars who presented awards.

The awards will be shown as part of BBC Two’s Britain’s Classroom Heroes at 6pm on Sunday.