A HEADTEACHER from Clacton has been named one of the best in the country after reaching the finals of the education 'Oscars'.

Karen Hammond, of Ravens Academy, scooped a Silver Pearson Teaching Award in the primary headteacher of the year category.

She is one of just 56 'education heroes' chosen from thousands of nominations.

The awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and recognise the life-changing impact they can have on young people.

Mrs Hammond has turned Ravens around since taking over the school, on Clacton's deprived Percy King estate, in September 2013.

She will now join other winners at a glittering Britain’s Classroom Heroes ceremony in London on October 22, where 11 will be awarded Gold Plato Awards - dubbed the teaching Oscars.

Mrs Hammond said: "This means everything. I really feel honoured but we are all part of a team and a family here which is why we are so successful."