AN art teacher at Scotland's national school for deaf pupils has been named the UK's most inspirational teacher of the year.

Aileen Mullen, of Donaldsons School, was the only Scottish teacher to be shortlisted in the TES Schools Awards.

The award judges recognised her for her success with students who had often previously failed in mainstream settings, helping pupils with significant communication difficulties and additional support needs achieve success in arts subjects and also in competitions against pupils from mainstream schools.

Ms Mullen said: In the classroom there's a mixture of children who are deaf, or maybe they can hear but have specific problems, or have Asperger's.

"I think a lot of them lack confidence and it's just bringing that out of them and inspiring them. I try to make everything fun."