A Stevenage teacher who made national headlines for using Taylor Swift and TikTok to teach maths lessons has been given an award by the University of Hertfordshire.

Kit Brown was among several UoH graduates recognised at the institution’s first Alumni Awards, which celebrate inspiring, ambitious, and enterprising graduates who have made a significant impact across industry and society.

The 25-year-old, who currently works at Peartree Spring Primary School in Stevenage, graduated with a Primary Education degree in 2020, and has since rose to fame on TikTok for his innovative teaching style.

Kit is also a former BBC Bitesize presenter and an author. His debut children’s book, How to Shine at Primary School, helps readers get the best out of primary school, tackling subjects like anxiety and friendship.

After receiving the Rising Star award, Kit said: "Today was one of my proudest moments.

"To win this award, with my mum there to share the special moment meant so much to me. Thank you University of Hertfordshire, I am incredibly humbled."

Other winners included Emma Cutting, who won the Outstanding Achievement award for her world-leading neurology trials aimed at combatting diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s.

John Twitchen won the STEM Spotlight award for his environment saving work, and James Lindsay won the Alumni Ambassador of the Year award.