A TEACHER from a small village primary school is in the running for an award dubbed the 'education Oscars'.

The Pearson National Teaching awards are set to take place in October later this year. They aim to highlight the best of the bunch as schools across the country are doing more than ever to support their communities.

Of the finalists is David Stirzaker, headteacher of Stawley Primary School, near Wellington.

Mr Stirzaker has been nominated for a silver award in the Teacher of the Year in a Primary School category.

The awards recognise his work in helping Stawley Primary School to the top of the Somerset performance tables for Key Stage 2 in 2018 and 2019, and he constantly inspires the pupils with his good-natured competitive spirit.

He said: “It’s really lovely to be shortlisted – it was a real surprise with everything else that’s going on at the moment – but it’s great to have some good news like this.

"It’s fantastic for the school as well, we really are a massive family where everyone chips in and helps each other out.

"It’s a bit embarrassing really because everyone at Stawley works so hard to provide the best for our children.”

He is set to go up against 10 other hopefuls in the category.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award.

"At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you.

"At Pearson we are delighted to support these awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion."