Nicola Whiston is head of maths at Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Widnes, having begun her teaching career at nearby Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy. At Ormiston Bolingbroke, she was keen to teach on the A-level maths course, but her head of department was sceptical, thinking that her original degree in psychology might be a hindrance to excellent pupil outcomes. But Nicola told him to let her sit the A-level exam that summer, with the proviso that if she did well she should be awarded her own A-level class the following year. Her pupils’ GCSE results that year were exceptional, and in her own A-level exam Nicola scored 99 per cent.

After moving to Ormiston Chadwick, Nicola was put in charge of driving teaching and learning in the school’s underperforming maths department. Within two years, the department had not only turned a corner but was also achieving some of the best outcomes in the North West. One of the ways in which Nicola gets her pupils to engage in maths is by using social media - the school’s maths Instagram profile has nearly 800 followers.

With high standards in maths secured at Ormiston Chadwick, Nicola has now sought out a role at another school in the trust that needs help. The lead judge for the maths award commented: “What really impresses me about Nicola is her unwavering desire to improve, and to keep improving, both herself and the outcomes for the students she teaches. Such dedication and passion is an inspiration to all.”

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