A teacher has been described as an ‘inspiration’ by Oxford University for his dedication to an Enfield school.

Peter Gross was one of 12 teachers from across the country to be given the inspirational teacher award by the university.

The maths teacher has taught at Enfield Grammar School, in Parsonage Lane, Enfield, for more than 30 years and was a former pupil at the school.

Upon receiving his letter through the post, Mr Gross revealed he felt “honoured” to have been awarded and nominated by a former pupil Alistair Clements, who is studying maths at Oxford

He said: “When I opened a letter from Oxford University and started to read it I felt honoured to have been awarded an inspirational teacher award by the university and wondered how this had come about.

“I read on, and found that Alastair had written a submission to nominate me. I felt a mixture of emotions as I read his submission. I felt humbled by what he wrote, privileged to have worked with such an inspirational student and proud of the effort he is making to develop his gifts – living by the school’s motto of “Tant que je puis” – something the school celebrates in students of any ability.

“We teachers cannot predict the future, so we need to provide students with the open-ended skills to think creatively for themselves and to be confident enough in their learning to question accepted methods.

Mr Clements described his former teacher as “kind” and “generous” throughout his years at the Enfield school.

He said: “Mr Gross is the most kind, generous, supportive and dedicated man I have ever met. There really are no limits to how hard he will work to ensure that all members of the school are happy and on top of things.

“When I was in year 8 and my dad had been offered a job in the US, Mr Gross offered to chat things through with me about my feelings and how I’d feel about moving away. He has been particularly supportive at times when I felt very snowed under by work.

“Mainly however, he was the person who encouraged me to apply to Oxford and ultimately helped me to get here. Upon receiving an offer of a place, he continued to encourage me through the A-level work to help obtain the grades I needed, alongside providing help with my other revision.

“I am hugely inspired by him and consider him a very great friend and teacher. I hope that this account details enough of his hard work to demonstrate just how brilliant he is and how deserving he is of the University of Oxford Inspirational Teachers Award.”

The maths teacher collected his award from St Peter’s College, Oxford, on Friday, May 15.

You can watch his reaction here: