AN inspirational science teacher from Purbeck is set to receive a top award from the Institute of Physics.

Mark Nicolaides, head of physics at The Purbeck School, Wareham, will collect his Teacher Award at the institute’s annual awards ceremony in London next month.

Institute experts analysed A-level results from all English schools and colleges, over the past three years, and students at The Purbeck School came top in their attainment in physics compared to all other subjects.

Some of the world’s leading physicists will be at the ceremony, collecting awards for their academic research.

Mr Nicolaides said: “It is a real privilege to be honoured alongside leading scientists and industrialists.

“I am sure some of our students will go on to make their own significant contributions to science and society.”

Meanwhile, The Purbeck School’s head teacher Leanne Symonds said her school’s GCSE and A-level results have been “incredibly strong”.

She added: “I am delighted that Mr Nicolaides has won this award for his hard work and dedication to his students who are always full of praise for his inspirational teaching.

“To win an award on a national scale like this is really quite something.”

The school’s science faculty has enjoyed impressive exam results over the past few years, with students securing places at Oxford University to study medicine in 2014 and 2013.

Purbeck School student Ollie Edgar, who attained an A* in A-level physics last year said: “Mr Nicolaides has been an excellent physics teacher of mine for the last two years.

“He has an extremely thorough understanding of the subject and always inspired our class to meet our full potential, while developing our interest in physics.”