A University of Gloucestershire graduate has been named as a Teacher of the Year at the 2021 Australian Education Awards.

Andrew Rogers won the Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non-Government) accolade at a virtual awards ceremony, which recognised the schools and individuals driving positive change across the Australian education landscape.

Andrew studied a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in secondary religious education between 1999 and 2000 at the university, then known as Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education.

After graduating in 2000, Andrew was appointed as teacher of religious education at Devizes School in Wiltshire. He then achieved the position of head of religious studies, followed by head of ethics.

He moved to Perth in Western Australia in 2013 and spent eight years teaching philosophy and ethics at Mark's Anglican Community School.

Currently, he teaches philosophy and ethics at Guildford Grammar school in Perth and is also the chair of the Association for Philosophy in Schools, which supports teachers and academics to develop the teaching of philosophy in schools.

Andrew Rogers said: "I loved the Park Campus and the collegiate atmosphere of my fellow student teachers on my course.

"My experiences while studying for the PGCE inspired and motivated me towards becoming a secondary school teacher. It widened my knowledge and understanding, exposed me to a range of differing viewpoints and helped me to realise my career vocation.

"The support and expertise of the staff and the practical school-based course provided a first-class preparation for the rigours of the teaching profession, with all of its challenges and successes.

"My advice to current and prospective students is follow your passions and your interests, wherever that may take you."