A St Aidan's teacher has received national recognition for helping sixth form students carry out independent research.
Chemistry teacher Miss Bramley was named Highly Commended in the IRIS Teacher of the Year Awards 2026.
She was one of two teachers to receive the accolade, alongside an overall winner, from entries involving more than 100 schools and colleges.
Miss Bramley has led St Aidan’s Church of England High School’s IRIS programme for five years, supporting A Level chemistry students as they develop and carry out their own research projects.
Judges praised the originality and consistently high standard of the students’ work.
Miss Bramley said:
“Our A Level Chemistry students are incredibly engaged and enthusiastic about research.
"We have been involved in the project for the last five years, and each year I am amazed by the subjects our students choose to investigate.
“Their curiosity, commitment and willingness to explore challenging questions make the programme so rewarding, and it is a privilege to support them as they develop their ideas and conduct their research.”
Headteacher Siân Dover said:
“We are incredibly proud to recognise this achievement. Receiving the IRIS Award is a testament to the dedication, expertise and passion that St Aidan's brings to inspiring young people through STEM.
“Together with our incredibly strong results in science at GCSE and A level this year this recognition is thoroughly deserved.”

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