The Award was presented at the 2016 Bristol Teaching Awards, a joint venture between the University of Bristol and Bristol Students’ Union. John was selected from 16 winners to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Education in recognition of his outstanding work in enriching the student experience.

“This award is the University’s equivalent of the Oscar’s Film of the Year and Director of the year award rolled into one,” commented Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Hugh Brady.

 “John Peake has been both dynamic and inspirational in his drive to create a truly collaborative project that engages students in their learning experience – and provides a much-needed service for the public. The judging panel unanimously agreed John should receive the award.”

John was commended for the truly collaborative nature of the work undertaken by the Law Clinic which has seen students, staff and local organisations working together to support people in the local community. 

“I am thrilled to be receiving this award. With cuts to legal aid, society’s most vulnerable are being left unprotected. The Law Clinic helps fill that gap and as a person that has spent most of my working life as a lawyer and more recently as a judge this makes me immensely proud,” commented John.

John joined the Law School in 2014 and since then has expanded the Law Clinic and introduced a new Clinical Legal Studies module.  This was his first formal teaching role.

“Coming to the Law School represented a new challenge for me as I moved out of practice and into academia. Being chosen by those that know the education system and what is needed to give students the very best experience, is truly an honour. I feel I made the right choice!”

John went on to thank the students involved in the Law Clinic, particularly Student Directors, Emily Smith (2014/15) and Nick Roper (2014/15). 

John's work with the Law Clinic was also recognised in his being chosen to receive the 2016 University Educational Initiative award, also presented on the night.