A MUSIC teacher from Prestatyn has won a national secondary school award presented by radio station Classic FM.

Siân Lane, a music teacher at Shenley Brook End School in Milton Keynes, won Classic FM’s Music Teacher of the Year Award, which recognises music teachers who have made a real difference to the musical lives of young people.

The award is based on thousands of votes and nominations, and countless inspiring stories told about some of the nation’s most dedicated musical educators.

Miss Lane, who is from Prestatyn and attended Prestatyn High School, is described as the “driving force” and “beating heart” of the music department at the school, which caters for Years 7 to 13.

From organising concerts at assemblies and parents evenings, to conducting both teacher and pupil-led ensembles, she promotes music in all aspects of school life.

Every year she organises a residential music trip for students in the Peak District, culminating in a school concert on their return.

She manages a music mentor scheme which allows older students to help younger, less experienced students, and has helped guide students into being accepted at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including King’s College, Cambridge and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Under her leadership, Shenley Brook End became the first school in Milton Keynes to be awarded Music Mark membership – an award for schools demonstrating a commitment to music education.

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“Music has become a significant special feature of the school under her leadership, no mean feat for a regularly funded state school,” one nominator said of Siân’s work.

Another person who nominated her said “Her students speak so highly of her ability to connect with them personally and train them to reach their potential. Many credit her for sparking their lifelong love of music.

“I can’t think of a more deserving nominee for Music Teacher of the Year. She embodies all that is great about arts education.”

By being recognised, Miss Lane won the school £3000 to go towards new musical instruments.

Upon winning the award, Siân told Classic FM: “Thank you so much, I’m really honoured.

“I’m really flattered that my students thought to nominate me, so honoured that people have voted for me.

“I love my job, I love what I do, and to be recognised by this, it means a lot.”