Burnley College tutors shortlisted for 'Education Oscars'

Two Burnley College Sixth Form Centre tutors have made it to the finals of the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Burnley College Sixth Form CentreBurnley College Sixth Form Centre
Burnley College Sixth Form Centre

A-level computer science tutor Mazar Iqbal is a finalist in the Further Education Lecturer of the Year category.

Meanwhile, Ben Whitaker, a leader in the college’s forward-thinking division of creative Industries and computing, has been shortlisted for the keenly-contested Digital Innovator of the Year Award.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mazar has been recognised by judges for his focus on each and every student as an individual, the additional, tailored academic support he gives to all his students and his passion for ensuring all his students are ‘industry ready’ with the skills and knowledge to solve complex, real-life IT problems through work placements

Maz Iqbal with students Emily Colbeck and Tom Mooney. Photo: Richard TymonMaz Iqbal with students Emily Colbeck and Tom Mooney. Photo: Richard Tymon
Maz Iqbal with students Emily Colbeck and Tom Mooney. Photo: Richard Tymon

Ben is recognised as a tutor who constantly pushes the boundaries of his own knowledge and innovation through continuous professional development, proactively assists colleagues to identify, define and overcome digital hurdles they face and improve the student experience and ensures students are equipped with the skills and knowledge valued by employers.

Principal of Burnley College Sixth Form Centre Karen Buchanan said: “Congratulations to both Maz and Ben on their amazing achievement in reaching this stage of the Pearson Teaching Awards and being recognised as among the very best in the country.

"At Burnley College we are truly committed to building futures and changing lives and it is through the expertise, the innovation and the passion of our Tutors that we make this happen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Both Maz and Ben epitomise all that is great about the tutors at Burnley College – they inspire, motivate and are dedicated to bringing the very best out of every individual students, empowering them to go forward and achieve their goals – whether that is degree-level study at some of the UK’s top universities or successful careers in their chosen sectors

Ben Whittaker. Photo: Richard TymonBen Whittaker. Photo: Richard Tymon
Ben Whittaker. Photo: Richard Tymon

“The influence of a good tutor lasts a lifetime. In Maz and Ben – and all the tutors at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre - we have staff who, every day, go above and beyond to provide the best possible education for every single student.”

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on those they teach.

Known as the Oscars of Education, the awards are announced in October and are broadcast on television.