Claremont High School Academy’s veteran head of history has won a sparkling national gong for her tireless work and inspiring lessons.

Shalina Patel, who’s been at the Kenton school for a decade, was nominated by pupils and parents. The award is given by the Pearson Teaching Awards Trust, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the impact inspirational teachers have on their pupils’ lives.

She was picked from thousands of nominations across the country and was one of 65 winners celebrated on Friday during the annual Thank a Teacher Day.

Ms Patel said: “I feel very humbled.

“I am incredibly passionate about teaching and am very lucky to work in a school with students who genuinely inspire me on a daily basis with their amazing curiosity and willingness to really engage in learning about history.

“I feel honoured to work with an amazing team whose hard work and dedication is a constant source of encouragement. I learn new things every day at Claremont and I’d like to thank them for nominating me.

“I taught my first ever lesson here almost 10 years ago and receiving this recognition is something I’m really proud of.”

In a surprise ceremony, Ms Patel was congratulated by Brent’s deputy mayor Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, who presented her with the award.

“We are absolutely delighted on behalf of Shalina for winning a silver award,” said headteacher Nicki Hyde-Boughey.

“She is a truly outstanding teacher who is utterly passionate about her subject and making it accessible to students of all ages.”

Author Michael Morpurgo, president of the trust, said: “The best we can do is to pass on to children all that we know and love and mean every word.

“I think, above all else, a teacher should be a friend, and that’s not an easy thing to do when there are 35 children out there.

“With these awards, we are shining a light on these inspirational individuals whose efforts and commitment so often go uncelebrated.”