TOP teachers in Essex have been recognised for their hard work and dedication.

It was a class act for Highwoods Community Primary School, Colchester, whose Paul Disley was awarded Teacher of the Year in a Primary School.

Mr Disley, 35, has been a teacher for 14 years, including six at Highwoods. The school also won the award for Govering Body of the Year.

The Student Choice Award at a Secondary School went to Tendring Technology College’s Steve Lever.

Teaching Assistant of the Year went to Laura Dowsett, of Maltings Academy, Witham.

School Team of The Year went to the Midday Team at John Ray Junior School, Braintree, while a School Lifetime Achievement Award went to Penny Smith, headteacher of White Notley Primary School.

The Essex awards ceremony was hosted at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin University.

Ray Gooding, councillor responsible for education and lifelong learning at Essex County Council, said: “We received a high quality of applications, reflecting the wealth of experience among teaching professionals in Essex.

“New to the awards this year was the Student Choice Award and it was wonderful to see teachers being recognised by the students they inspired, who were there to cheer them on.

“The direct impact these winners have on their students, especially those in challenging circumstances is clear and in many cases life changing.”

All winners will be entered into the National Teaching Awards.