ESSEX County Council is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Essex Teaching Awards following an awards ceremony hosted at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin University.

Essex County Councillor Ray Gooding, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I had the pleasure of attending the Essex Teaching Awards and meeting the winning teachers and support teams. The quality of applications we received were extremely high and I know the judging panel had a tough job choosing the winners.

“I was incredibly moved to hear so many examples of teaching professionals who are extremely committed to ensuring learners in Essex achieve great outcomes. The direct impact on learners, especially those in challenging circumstances is clear and in many cases life changing.

“All winners will be entered into the National Teaching Awards run by Pearson, and we will be sharing these examples of excellence within the winning entries across the county to ensure we continue to improve standards in Essex.”

Winners are listed below:

Adult Community Learning (ACL) Professional of The Year: Karen Payne, ACL Chelmsford

Outstanding New Teacher of The Year: Nikki Gill, Becket Keys Brentwood

Teaching Assistant of The Year: Corrine Barnett, The Fitzwimarc School Rayleigh

Teacher of The Year in a Primary: Maria Chase, Grove Wood Primary Rayleigh

Teacher of The Year in a Secondary: Andy Beedham, Beauchamps High Wickford

Special School Teacher of The Year: Trudy Halls, Market Field School Colchester

School Team of The Year: Burnt Mill Senior Leadership Team, Burnt Mill Academy Harlow

Governing Body of The Year: Tendring Technology College Colchester

The Award for FE Teacher/Lecturer of The Year: Dr Chris Saker, University of Essex

Headteacher of The Year in a Primary School: Nigel Hookway, Highlands Community Primary Colchester

Headteacher of The Year in a Secondary: Dr Margaret Wilson, The King John School Thundersley

Lifetime Achievements: Rhonda Murthar, Headteacher Stewards Academy Harlow; Stephen Murrary, Teacher Roding Valley High School; Sandra Blooman, Teacher Davenant Foundation School Loughton; Nigel Wills, Teacher Saffron Walden County High.

The Essex Teaching Awards were open for nominations during October and November, over 100 nominations were received from headteachers, governing bodies and students.