Ian Kenworthy has been rewarded for his commitment to education at the first ever Cornwall Teacher Awards, winning the title of Head Teacher of the Year.

Mr Kenworthy, who has served as head teacher at Camborne Science and International Academy for 18 years, was recognised for leading Cornwall’s top performing state school.

“I’ve had the privilege to lead CSIA through a period of phenomenal change and improvement and to receive this award is very humbling,” he said. “It is an outstanding school and one which I feel very grateful to be a part of. Every morning I’m excited to come to work and truly believe we have an incredibly special community.”

The awards ceremony, held at Truro Cathedral, was organised by education marketing and PR company EMPRA and celebrated 33 teachers, governors and support workers from schools and colleges across Cornwall, to recognise excellence in education in the county.

“I am passionate about giving our students opportunities and experiences of the highest quality, both inside and outside of the classroom,” added Mr Kenworthy. “I am very proud of all we have achieved together since 1998 and where we are now as Cornwall’s top performing state school, an accolade we have held for three years in a row.

"This award is for the whole team at CSIA, and how committed we are to the personal development of our students.”

Vice principal Mark Fenlon said: “We’re delighted that Ian has been recognised with this award which reflects his unwavering capacity for hard work and vision of how CSIA can continually improve to develop our students’ educational and life experience.”

The awards were hosted by former Treviglas College head teacher Helen Mathieson, with a keynote speech delivered by head teacher Vic Goddard, star of Channel 4’s programme Educating Essex.

“Ian’s dedication to students and to general academic success goes well beyond the classroom” added Mark. “From the creation of CSIA’s revered international programme to his instrumental involvement in the International Student Science Network, young people are given world-class opportunities right here in Camborne.”

Mr Kenworthy said it was fantastic to a see a competition that “elevated the status of those who work in education.”

“Ian has had a remarkable impact on so many young lives in Cornwall and this award is fantastic recognition of his passion to provide an inspirational learning experience at CSIA.”