A SPORTS science teacher has been honoured with an outstanding achievement award.

Katie Smith, who works at Coal Clough Academy in Burnley, was given the Teacher of the Term award after securing funding for her department and helping three students enter their GCSE exams a year early.

After joining the Swindon Street school in November, the 24-year-old has taken on extra responsibilities including running intervention classes to pupils and mentoring a trainee teacher.

She has organised and led residential trips, planned new activities and overseen modules for teamwork, healthy living and PHSE.

Miss Smith was given the national accolade by recruitment group Hays Education which recognises teachers across the UK.

Miss Smith, who got funding for sponsored football shirts for the youngsters, said: “I feel really proud. It was totally unexpected.

“I helped get the sports science qualification off the ground and give students a better academic background when they leave the school.

“It is about getting students involved in sport. We are offering different clubs and more activities.”

She said she has created a structure to PE lessons with kids responding well to the GCSE requirements with some showing the potential to be entered for exams early.

“I come to work and try to do a good job. It was a shock when I found out I had. I feel really proud of myself,” she said.

“Coal Clough is a really good place to work. They have given a lot of extra held and support to the staff.”

Holly Clarke, deputy headteacher, said: “Katie is a well-respected member of our team, who has certainly contributed to the speed in which we have progressed to an almost ‘outstanding’ school.

“She dedicates time and effort into supporting the pupils in our care.”

Lauren Nightingale, recruitment consultant at Hays Education's Burnley office said: “We are pleased to be able to recognise the vital role that excellent teachers play.

“Teachers like Katie show how much of an impact supply teachers can make on a school and its pupils.”

The Lancashire Telegraph will be celebrating the achievements of teachers, pupils and support staff at this year’s Schools’ Awards.

Visit www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk to nominate.