A BASINGSTOKE lecturer who has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people has been nominated for a national award.

Scott Hayden, who teaches on the creative media production courses at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), has been nominated for a Teacher of the Year Award in the TES (Times Education Supplement) Further Education Awards 2015, in recognition of his dedication to his career.

The awards are held to recognise outstanding contributions to further education and are open to anyone working in the UK further education sector.

Scott is graded as an “outstanding” teacher by Ofsted and is well-liked and respected among his colleagues, students and the wider further education community, where he is particularly active in the learning technologies field.

The 32-year-old, who joined BCoT five years ago, uses the latest technologies to engage and motivate his students in debate, discussion and reflection.

He is up against five others shortlisted for the award, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony on Friday at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park Lane, London.

A panel of judges, including Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, will decide the winners in each category.

Andy Bainbridge, a student at BCoT, said: “His teaching methods are second-to-none, with highly innovative ideas at the forefront of this. In my three years with him I turned from an antisocial shy nerd to a forward- thinking revolutionary. Without him I imagine I would have fallen by the wayside.

“If you can find me anyone better than him I’d buy you all the tea in China!”

Robbie Gotelee, another BCoT student, said: “Scott Hayden is a legend! His pure positivity, eloquence and passion for learning is right through the roof. Even when he thinks he’s done enough for us he bounces back with more – he is inspirational.”

Scott said: “I’m humbled and honoured to receive the nomination and I’m looking forward to the ceremony.”