When Jonathan was promoted to head of maths he knew he had a challenge.

His classes of 11-16-year-olds were badly behaved and seemed to have no interest in learning. But Jonathan, 40, refused to give up on them.

Seven years later, the school’s GCSE pass rate in maths has risen from 12% to 55% thanks to his inspirational teaching.

The dad of two invented “maths raps”. He installed a karaoke machine in the classroom to perform songs and raps.

He also used doughnuts to teach probability and came up with ways to use football results and playground items to discuss maths problems.

Joan Young, head of Netherhall Learning Campus in Huddersfield, West Yorks, where Jonathan works, said: “He is an inspirational teacher who is adored by the kids.”

Jonathan said: “The first few weeks in the school were difficult and there were times when I doubted myself but I was determined to make a difference.”

Jonathan’s innovative techniques have been featured on the teachers.tv website.