Leicestershire-based PE teacher, Lesley Reynolds of Brockington College in Enderby, has been named the Sky Sports Living for Sport Teacher of the Year 2012. She received the accolade after being chosen as one of three UK finalists after a nationwide search.

Joining two other finalists from across the UK at the prestigious awards ceremony held at Sky Studios in London, Lesley received her trophy from Sky Sports Living for Sport ambassadors, Olympic heptathlete Jessica Ennis CBE and sprint legend Darren Campbell MBE.

The Awards, which recognise the efforts of students and teachers during 2012, have two categories: Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year. They celebrate the successful way secondary schools are using sport to inspire young people, thanks to their involvement in Sky Sports Living for Sport, a free initiative delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust.

With nominations rolling in from schools across the UK, Lesley stood out as a clear winner. She has been recognised for the outstanding sport-based projects she has delivered and the positive impact Sky Sports Living for Sport has had on her students’ lives.

Lesley was chosen as the Teacher of the Year because of her dedication in organising Brockington College’s successful Sky Sports Living for Sport projects over an 8 year period which has had a major impact on her students.

Lesley’s commitment to the initiative has led to over 150 pupils having the opportunity to participate in Sky Sports Living for Sport projects. In particular, she works with those pupils who are disengaged with school life or struggling either academically or personally, teaching them sporting skills which can help them to improve their lives.

Darren Campbell commented: “Lesley has set a fantastic example to all PE teachers across the UK. Her commitment to Brockington College’s Sky Sports Living for Sport project has had an incredibly positive impact on the pupils, helping build a lifelong enthusiasm for sport and imparting valuable life skills that can be used across the curriculum.

“In my role as ambassador I have seen firsthand how much of an impact Sky Sports Living for Sport is having on young people throughout the UK. It’s great to hear how Lesley has helped her pupils to develop important life skills which will help them to succeed in the future.”

The Teacher of the Year 2012 and two runner-ups will win £2,000 and £1,000 respectively towards their school’s next Sky Sports Living for Sport project. In addition, all three Teacher of the Year finalists will each receive a year’s free Sky subscription, a trophy and certificate.