A BISHOP Auckland science teacher, who will address a national conference in London today, (Monday May 11) has been given a key role helping to raise standards in specialist schools.

Sarah Burns, who is in her second year at Bishop Barrington Sports with Mathematics College, is one of 35 teachers in the country who have been appointed lead practitioners with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT).

Today she will speak about her work on a level 6+ project for education authority Durham County Council which helped it achieve national recognition.

Science consultant Simon Travers, said: "The regional advisor described Sarah’s lessons as "inspirational"; the best he has seen in his role which I feel is an outstanding achievement for any teacher.

"I am really proud of Sarah and the work she has done, for such a relatively new teacher she has huge potential, her love of teaching and learning and her willingness to try new pedagogies is lovely to see.

Ms Burns, who also did her teacher training placement at Bishop Barrington, said: "I just absolutely love teaching science here. I am passionate about it and enjoy creating resources to help switch the students on to science."

Acting head teacher Jackie Gent said: "We are very lucky to have Sarah in our school. she is very talented with a passion for learning which is very important to Bishop Barrington."