The Royal Society of Biology is pleased to announce the three shortlisted candidates for this year’s School Biology Teacher of the Year Award.

The Award recognises the UK’s leading secondary school biology teachers who are at the forefront of paving the way in teaching excellence, acknowledging their vital role in educating and inspiring the next generation of biologists.

The teachers shortlisted for 2025 are:

• Louise Evans, Teacher of Science at Thomas Adams School (Shropshire)
• Sarah Girasoli, Teacher of Biology and LFS Lead at St Luke’s High School (Glasgow)
• Samantha Goodfellow, Biology Teacher at Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls (Canterbury)

Left to right: Samantha Goodfellow, Louise Evans, Sarah Girasoli

Louise’s skill comes from her passion and care for the young people she teaches. She nurtures the students, quickly gaining their trust which allows her a distinctive ability to work with young people as a mentor as well as a Biology teacher.

Commenting on being nominated for the award, Louise said: “I am deeply honoured to be shortlisted for the Royal Society of Biology Teacher of the Year Award. This recognition is a reflection of the enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication my students bring to the classroom every day. Inspiring young people to explore and appreciate the living world is the most rewarding part of my role as a teacher.”

Louise also demonstrates a passionate interest in the extracurricular: she has organised and led regular trips to Chester Zoo; takes an ongoing and active role in A-level Biology fieldwork visits; and has led and delivered departmental CPD for other teachers.

Sarah inspires young people with her enthusiasm and passion for science, the environment, and outdoor learning. She leads with a positive, nurturing ethos in her classroom, fostering trust and respect with young people through her absolute commitment to meeting their needs, with creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

On being shortlisted for the award, Sarah said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for [the School] Biology Teacher of the Year Award and feel very humbled to be nominated. To do a job that you enjoy and are passionate about every day is a huge privilege. Having the opportunity to share my passion for biology and science with young people makes it all the more special. What could be better than inspiring the next generation to appreciate and look after the natural world?”

Sarah has played a key role in shaping the school’s approach to Learning for Sustainability through growing a rewilding area on the school grounds promoting biodiversity and outdoor learning. She has also led professional development activities for colleagues across various primary schools from other local authority groups.

Samantha holds a deep understanding of the curriculum and exam techniques, conveying this expertise to her students with ease and confidence. Her passion for teaching extends to creating resources for the department, such as tailored skeleton sheets designed to scaffold GCSE and A-level content with a sharp focus on terminology and core ideas. She takes pride in her work and it inspires the same level of dedication in her students.

Commenting on being shortlisted for the award, Samantha said: “I could not be more surprised or delighted to be nominated for such a prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to the incredible students I have the privilege to teach and the inspiring colleagues I work alongside every day.”

Samantha also set up an orchard on the school grounds to promote hands-on conservation and maintenance activities, she organises an annual talk for the students featuring a Cambridge entomologist and conservationist, and she has also established a study group to explore the impact of biodiversity on the psychological and physiological wellbeing of our students.

The three shortlisted teachers will each submit a case study explaining the methods they employ to enhance their students’ learning. The Award’s judging panel will also visit each teacher and observe them teaching a lesson.

The winner will be announced on 24 June 2025 and will receive £500 for themselves and £500 of school resources, both of which are provided by Oxford University Press.