A TEACHER is celebrating after winning a national lifetime achievement award.

Peter Sheppard, 71, teaches English at the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and scooped the trophy at the annual TES (Times Education Supplement) Schools awards on Friday.

He has been teaching at the school for 47 years and the award was a recognition of his dedication to the school he still loves.

Peter said: “It was a total surprise to me. I was one of six people nominated for the award so I only knew about it when they started reading out details about me.

“It’s the proudest moment of my career. It means a great deal because it is nice to be appreciated by my colleagues and the rest of the student body.”

Peter was put forward for the award by other members of staff.

The application was completed by references from other staff members and former students of the academy.

In giving out the award to Peter the judges said: “Peter has given his whole life to his school and the community it serves.

“He provides a vibrant example of energy, always going the extra mile.

“He is a superb role model for the thousands of teenagers lucky enough to have attended Wootton Bassett.”

Peter joined Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in 1966 and now finds himself teaching the grandchildren of pupils he originally taught.

He said: “Whenever I go to the shops I get people coming up to me asking if I remember them and I know them all.

“I’ve probably taught most of the people aged under 60 in the Bassett area.

“A lot of people have sent cards of congratulations.”

While many people would probably start to look for a change after so many years working at one place, Peter still considers himself very lucky.

“I have loved every second of the job. I am very lucky to work at what I consider to be one of the best schools in the country,” he said.

“There is nothing more rewarding than working with children who are eager and enthusiastic to learn.

“It’s a nice feeling to know you have played a small part in helping young people to reach their full potential.”

Despite winning the award Peter has no plans to stop and is already looking forward to next September.

He said: “I have absolutely no plans to retire. I still enjoy the job as much as I ever have and look forward to planning for the next year as much as the previous.”