A CHEMISTRY teacher from a Salisbury school has received an award from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for his excellent teaching and for engaging pupils with the subject.

Phil Copley (55), who is head of chemistry at Bishop Wordsworth's School, received the RSC Schools Education award 2006.

In the classroom, Mr Copley uses his passion for the subject to promote up-to-date chemistry at all key stages using a variety of innovative methods.

And he has been instrumental in expanding the numbers of pupils taking A-level chemistry and the numbers going on to study the subject at university.

On top of this, he still has time to be involved in the new Government initiative to help science teachers, who are not chemists, to teach the subject better.

Mr Copley said: "I was very pleased to receive this award because I believe it is important to recognise the work done by classroom teachers."

Having had a love of chemistry through his school years, he studied the subject at Oxford and worked at Netherthorpe School Chesterfield and Buxton College before coming to Bishop Wordsworth's in 1991.

He was presented with his award by RSC president Prof Jim Feast at the RSC General Assembly in Glasgow.

Prof Feast said: "Mr Copley has made an outstanding contribution to chemistry education. The Royal Society of Chemistry is delighted to recognise his achievements."