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A trio of teachers who go to top of their class

Katie Hopton
30/ 6/2006

THREE teachers have been recognised for their excellence in the North West of England teaching awards.

Linda McGawley, maths teacher at Wardle High School, won 'teacher of the year in a secondary school'.

Stephen Hill, deputy head at St Joseph's RC Primary School, Shaw, won the 'teacher of the year in a primary school' award.

Meanwhile, Natalie O'Neill, who is responsible for the recycling push, debating club and the 'Healthy Living Club' at Bamford Primary School, just missed out on winning the 'outstanding new teacher' accolade, but she received a commendation for her hard work at the ceremony, hosted by BBC 'North West Tonight' presenter Dianne Oxberry at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, on Tuesday.

Mr Hill and Mrs McGawley will now find out if they have won a national teaching award at London's Drury Lane Theatre on Sunday 15 October.

Mr Hill was nominated for the awards, which recognise outstanding work in schools, after playing a key role with fellow teachers in helping St Joseph's finish second in England and Wales Sats attainment, with pupils achieving 100 per cent in attainment at level five.

And he has gone above and beyond what is required of his work as deputy headteacher and Year 6 teacher.

He organises a range of sports clubs and activities, including football, rugby, swimming and rounders and religious retreats for youngsters.

Mrs McGawley was nominated by impressed parents for being an 'excellent practitioner in maths' and for outstanding results at GCSE and A level.

Pupils 'hang on to her every word' and she also teaches key stage three to a very good standard.

She took the parents who nominated her, Grace Sutcliffe and Kendra Allen, to the awards with headteacher Graham Wright and head of department Glynis Ives.

Mrs McGawley said: "I was speechless about winning, which is not like me in the classroom.

"I would like to thank my pupils and staff for being so lovely to me about this award.

"I feel very special."