PRIMARY school teacher David Stirzaker, who teaches in Stawley, has been honoured with a national teaching award.

Thousands of teachers were nominated in the Pearson Teaching Awards and he was one of just 11 to win a Silver award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School category.

He received the award in front of the school and former Year 6 pupils in a socially distanced celebration from Catherine Mortimer-Ford, national manager at the Pearson awards.

Headteacher Jacqui Collier said: “David’s dedication and commitment to the entire school community is outstanding. His ability to support every family and every child is key to what makes Stawley Primary School a unique, special place to be. We are very lucky to have him.

“David was instrumental in helping Stawley Primary School top the Somerset performance tables for Key Stage 2 in 2018 and 2019, and constantly inspires the pupils with his good-natured competitive spirit.

“His extraordinary dedication goes beyond the educational success of his pupils to include organising and leading residential activity weeks and trips, educational visits and a number of public performances to ensure they enjoy the broadest possible educational experience and every facet of life.

“He is also a keen musician who leads the school choir and music activities, and a passionate proponent of a variety of different sports, leading Stawley school teams to many victories and trophies.”

David is now in the running for one of 14 Gold Pearson Awards, known as the ‘Oscars’ for teachers, later this year in a programme which will be broadcast by the BBC.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam.