A geography teacher from Hillingdon has won an award for his efforts to support and motviate his students during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ben Peacock, Head of Year 13 at Ruislip High School, was given a Jack Petchey’s Lockdown School Heroes award by the Jack Petchey Foundation, which was set up to support young people in London and Essex. 

Peacock was nominated by a student at Ruislip High School for his efforts to check up on all his students every day via emails and occasional phone calls throughout the lockdown.

The student said that being able to speak with Peacock so easily, despite not physically being able to go to school, was a real comfort during the lockdown.

Peacock said: ”I feel very humbled to be nominated by a member of my year group. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone in education, and particularly so for the Year 13s who have had both years of their time in the Sixth Form disrupted by lockdowns.

"My aim throughout has been to always be on hand to support the year group with the unique wellbeing and academic challenges that have been thrown at them.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to be their Head of Year, as they are such a resilient and accomplished group of young adults.”

Peacock shared helpful resources and uplifting videos with the students, as well as talking through worries with students.

Since the photo was taken, he has been awarded a framed certificate from the Foundation, a letter from Sir Jack and a special face mask to congratulate him on going the extra mile to help students in the lockdown.

Trudy Kilcullen MBE, CEO of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “At the Jack Petchey Foundation, we think all school staff have done an exceptional job during this challenging year to support, engage and motivate young people – both remotely and in schools and colleges.

"We want to recognise those members of staff that have gone the extra mile to help young people thrive, and to give the opportunity for students across London and Essex to nominate those adults that have particularly supported them this year.”

Any school staff member can be nominated by a student attending a school or college in the London and Essex area.

A staff member may be nominated for any actions they are doing, or have done in the course of the pandemic, to support students and help motivate them, as long as these abide by the government guidelines for social distancing.

These could include: supporting students remotely over lockdown, organising fun activities online, going the extra mile to help students catch up, supporting in-school students during the lockdown and keeping the school running efficiently.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has worked with schools and youth groups across Hillingdon, providing £898,154.77 in funding to schools and youth clubs in the local area.