A young physics lover has been named school physicist of the year at an awards ceremony from Keele University.

Maddy Dean, a pupil at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College, received the award at a zoom ceremony this week.

The School Physicist of the Year (SPOTY) awards are an annual event at Keele University supported by the Ogden Trust and Science.

Maddy was one of fifteen Year 10 students to win (only two had won the award from the South Cheshire region).

Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College Headteacher, Ellen Walton, said Maddy was a "shining example" of the school's love of science.

She said: "Maddy should be incredibly proud of this recognition. We are incredibly proud of Maddy."

Three keynote speakers spoke at the event – Carol Shanahan OBE gave an insightful anecdote of "who does physics" followed by Barbara Grundy North West Consultant for The Ogden Trust and Dr Juliana Morbec, a lecturer of physics at Keele University.

Cliff Broom, Curriculum Leader for Science at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College said: "Maddy is an extremely enthusiastic Physicist.

"Ever since joining the school, Maddy has demonstrated a love for the subject, in particular learning about space, bringing in books and discussing articles at length with staff.

"Maddy's face lights up whenever an opportunity arises to discuss space and pass on knowledge about the Universe and space exploration to

love of Physics shines through. I can't imagine many other students requested extra Physics during lockdown!"