TEACHING assistant Carys Macey has been voted top of the class after winning a prestigious teaching award.

Ms Macey, who works at Richmond School, was honoured at the Pearson Teaching Awards, which recognise the impact inspirational teachers can have on the lives of young people. Ms Macey won the award after being praised for her “platinum standard” work.

Richmond School headteacher Ian Robertson said: ”Carys supports young people and their families and in doing so enables them to overcome their challenges and face the world as well rounded citizens. Her work is exceptional in the individual, one to one care and attention she brings to each and every student.

“Carys meets with the teachers of our learners in order to suggest how best to work with or reintegrate and engage pupils and in doing so, she turns around young people and transforms their expectations, both within and outside school.

“She ensures that parents are central to the work she undertakes with the students and she is in regular touch and her support, help and guidance literally changes lives. She is a consummate professional, a greatly admired colleague and a worthy winner of this prestigious award.”

Ms Macey is one of 55 members of teaching staff chosen from 22,000 nominations across the country. She will now go on to the national finals in October when 10 gold award winners will be chosen.

Pearson Awards president Rod Bristow said: “Everyone can remember a teacher who inspired and challenged them so it's important to say thank you. It is great teaching that makes the biggest difference to learning and that's why great teachers must be recognised."