THE inaugural winner of the Wilts & Glos Standard North Wiltshire Teacher of the Year competition was crowned this week, during a surprise presentation.

Chris Bradshaw has been head of music at Malmesbury School for 20 years and he received nearly five times more votes than any other candidate.

Staff and photographers piled into Chris’ class to celebrate in his success on Thursday.

“I was genuinely stunned,” said Chris. “I was expecting it to be all the bright young things winning rather than an old-stager.

“Obviously many thanks to those who considered it being worthy of getting the paper and posting a voting slip.

“After 20 years of doing it, it is a kind of validation.

“As a music teacher you get used to applause, but the idea of being awarded something is an especially nice tonic for the time you put in.”

The 46-year-old has been teaching for 24 years and has worked hard in his lessons to fuse modern influences with his respect for traditional classical music.

He got his degree in music from York University but says, as a music fanatic, the move to teaching didn’t seem like an upheaval.

“I remember seeing what my music teacher did and thinking it’s a great job, going to work and doing your hobby,” he explained.

“You meet interesting people and parents are supportive of what you do.”

Chris’ love for teaching comes from seeing children develop their skills in music and he is proud to carry on the school’s rich music tradition.

“Malmesbury School has always been very supportive of the arts in general,” said Chris.

“There’s a freedom to follow our music passions.”

One of the nominations for Mr Bradshaw said: “Chris Bradshaw is a fantastic teacher. Both our children loved his lessons and my son played in the school band in many school productions and concerts.

“He has been so inspiring and his Christmas concerts are the highlight of the school calendar.”

Tim Gilson, headteacher at Malmesbury School, said after the presentation of the award: “Thanks very much indeed to the Wilts & Glos Standard for recognising one of our excellent teachers, Chris Bradshaw.

“It is a really proud moment for the school and we appreciate the support from the paper.”