Newham comes top of the class at London Teaching Awards

The event which celebrates excellence and encourages best practice in teaching, took place at Westminster Central Hall on Tuesday, June 23.

Tom Canning, Head teacher of Tollgate Primary School in Plaistow, won the London region of the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) Award for Head teacher of the Year in a Primary School.

Nominated by a parent, Mr Canning has been described as inspirational and a transformational head.

His commitment has led to Tollgate gaining a clutch of awards, including the 2008 DCSF Award for Sustainable School of the Year in London. He has also hosted visits from Gordon Brown and dignitaries from home and abroad who want to see his vision of how to run a successful school.

Mr Canning said: "It's terrific to be recognised with this award. All staff at Tollgate work hard to achieve a brighter future for our pupils. To win is a great honour for all staff, pupils and the school."

Special School Teacher of The Year was awarded to Kevin Higgins of Eleanor Smith School in Plaistow.

Mr Higgins, has taught at Eleanor Smith, a school for children with complex and emotional needs, for 24 years. During his time at the school he has been a constant source of support and help to both pupils and staff.

Mr Higgins said: "I would like to thank all the people who nominated me. I see this as an award for the entire school as our work is very much a team effort. I'm extraordinarily proud of them."

St Luke's Primary School in Canning Town was awarded a distinction in the Sustainable Schools Teaching Awards category.

Head Teacher, Theresa Aanonson, said: "All staff and pupils are proud of this award and the recognition is testament to everyone's hard work. The students are passionate about saving the planet, and are heavily involved in influencing the environmental behaviour of parents, teachers and each other. They're a real bunch of Eco-warriors.

"Creating a sustainable school through recycling and other initiatives shows students acting locally but thinking globally."

Executive member for children and young people, Councillor Quintin Peppiatt, said he was thrilled that the standard of teaching in Newham had been acknowledged in such a public way.

"We have a large number of high calibre, hard working teachers throughout the schools of Newham and it's great to see them being recognised.

"Newham has one of the youngest populations in London. Education is vitally important to give our youngsters the best start in life."

The Teaching Awards were presented to selected finalists in front of 200 invited guests. The ceremony offers a unique opportunity to meet and communicate with teachers, teaching assistants and governors, celebrating the achievements of schools and education professionals.

All winners will go through to the national competition to be held in London at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on October 25, 2009.