We are delighted to announce that Yaso Shan, Varndean Sixth Form College’s resident Biology tutor has been awarded a Highly Commended FE Teacher of the Year 2026 Award by Pearson; the world’s leading education provider. This is a national award in recognition of excellence and transformational teaching as well as the impact it has had on learners, colleagues and on the wider community.
Yaso said on receiving this accolade “I am very pleased to have been nominated and awarded for my work and contributions, not only in the promotion of STEM, but also the impact it has had on the wider college community. I went into teaching to share my love of the subject with the next generation of scientists and scholars. The focus for me has always been on teaching, learning and the student experience, finding new and interesting ways to impart my knowledge and expertise to engage young people to explore and discover science.
My first role as a teacher was in 1991; there were no computers, no internet, no emails, no mobile phones and definitely no Ofsted! In many ways, the job was simpler and much more enjoyable with the central focus around curriculum and subject knowledge. The job of teaching has changed quite profoundly over the course of my career but also during the 10 years that I have been at Varndean. While I started at the college solely teaching Biology, which is my specialism, I have also enjoyed teaching Environmental Science, nurturing the next generation of ecologists, botanists, conservationists, environmental scientists and horticulturalists which has proved to be hugely rewarding.”
Yaso was nominated by Varndean Principal and CEO, Donna-Marie Janson who said of this achievement
“Congratulations to Yaso on this well-deserved national recognition. This Highly Commended award reflects her longstanding commitment to Biology education and to inspiring young people to develop a love of science.
During her time at Varndean, Yaso has made a significant contribution through her expert teaching, her passionate advocacy for STEM education, and the wide range of opportunities she has created for students beyond the classroom. From Clinical Case History Workshops for aspiring medics to leading the College’s award-winning sustainability programme, she has consistently sought to broaden students’ experiences and encourage them to engage with science in meaningful and practical ways.
It is wonderful to see her dedication to teaching, learning and student opportunity recognised nationally. On behalf of everyone at Varndean Sixth Form College, I congratulate Yaso on this fantastic achievement.”
This has been awarded not only for Yaso’s inspirational teaching and learning but also for her work in promoting STEM, her enrichment activities including the unique offering of the Clinical Case History Workshops to aspiring medics and the college-wide, Award-winning sustainability initiatives.
