Three honoured in teaching 'Oscars'

Three teachers from the London area have been honoured in the profession's "Oscars" to recognise outstanding contributions in Britain's schools. The winners of the Teaching Awards 2004 were presented with their gongs at the event in central London by celebrities including Lord Attenborough and actor Bill Nighy.

Philip Beadle, of Eastlea Community School Technology College, Canning Town, was named the Secondary School

Teacher of the Year for his

work at the inner city school. The English, media and drama teacher was commended for refusing to accept students' backgrounds as an excuse for underachievement.

In the past three years his pupils have averaged 98 per cent A-C grades in GCSE Language and Literature.

Describing his classes, the Teaching Award Panel members said: "

The climate for learning is infectious. You can sense the anticipation."

There was a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Sue Seifert, headteacher of Montem Primary School, Islington, who became a teacher in 1970.

The panel said: "She is such an extraordinary person that words fail to do her full justice.

"Through her, we have seen what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, determination, love and a clear vision of what a school should be."

Guy Wilkins, of Marjorie McClure School, Chislehurst, Kent, won the Award for Excellence in Special Needs Teaching for his work with children with a wide range of physical disabilities. The PE teacher's nomination was made by a parent whose daughter has been at the school for 12 years.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke said: "Every headteacher, teacher and teaching assistant nominated should feel proud of how valued they are by students, colleagues and their communities."