A DEDICATED teacher at Thomas Hardye School has been named the best in the country.

Science teacher Julia Harley, an assistant headteacher at the Dorchester school, is celebrating after being named Teacher of the Year by the Institute of Electrical Engineers.

The award is in recognition of her commitment to her students, her inspiring teaching and her ability to broaden the horizons of her students' ambitions through her management of the school's science college.

Each year the IEE Teacher Awards are made to teachers in primary and secondary schools who have encouraged students to develop an interest in science, electronics and engineering.

The award is not just for the quality of Mrs Harley's teaching but also for the work she has done in encouraging students to continue their science education.

Mrs Harley said: "I am honoured by this award, which is recognition of the contribution that all members of the science team make in promoting science to our students and the wider Dorset community."

Professor Hugh Griffiths, Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College London and member of the Thomas Hardye School science college management board said that in his opinion 'Julia richly deserved the award.'

Thanks to Mrs Harley's enthusiasm, students at the school have been entertained by TV presenter Johnny Ball, have worked with graduate scientists, used the European Research Telescope in the Canary Islands and have visited science museums and NASA.

A spokesman for the school said: "If there's one thing all teachers would most deeply like to be, it's to be an inspiration to those we teach. And those are the teachers we all remember - the teachers who believe in us, who challenge us to achieve more than we think possible and then show us to do it.

"Julia is one of those, not merely a dedicated professional, not merely a hard-working, imaginative and cheerful person, but an inspiration.

"Her students have always known it, coming out of her lessons smiling and surprised at how much physics they suddenly understand. Even Ofsted saw it, casting aside their normal vocabulary of 'good', 'sound' 'well structured' and 'solid' to describe her lessons as 'inspiring' and 'enthralling'".

The award will be presented at a celebration dinner in Birmingham in November.