Outstanding Educator

Classics Teacher Mr Prance has been selected for the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award.

The top US university aims to recognise excellence in teaching across the globe, rewarding those who are “exceptional in their field and role models for all students.” Nominations are made by newly admitted UChicago students each year to celebrate the “lively, curious minds that these educators have nurtured and inspired.” Awards are given to those who shape young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Mr Prance, who is a Year 8 tutor as well as a Classics Teacher, commented: “I’m delighted and a little taken aback to receive this award. I’m inspired every day by the enthusiasm, humour and dedication of all my students and colleagues at South Hampstead. My former student, Sophie, who nominated me embodied each of those qualities. Thank you, Sophie and the University of Chicago!”

His students added: “Mr Prance is known as a ‘human encyclopaedia’ – I am convinced that he knows almost everything there is to know, and more importantly, inspires us to harness the same curiosity… Aside from his intellectual brilliance, he offers unwavering moral support.” 

Mr Prance is part of a thriving Classics Department at South Hampstead, where all pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 study Latin, with good numbers progressing to GCSE and A Level in Latin and Classical Greek; Classical Civilisation is also a popular choice in the Sixth Form. Many pupils go on to read classical subjects at leading universities; over the past four years, twelve pupils have received offers from Oxford and Cambridge.  As well as hosting high-profile speakers at the annual GDST Classical Conference, the department organises theatre trips, classical competitions, a trip to St Alban’s for Year 7, and adventures abroad to explore classical sites, with destinations including Sicily, Greece, Italy and the South of France. Our Classics Teaching staff are also involved in outreach teaching at UCLA, one of our local partner schools.