A YOUNG teacher from a school in Brentwood has won a top award for her work inside - and outside - the classroom.

Nikki Gill was given the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year gong at the 2014 Essex Teaching Awards last week.

She had been put forward by her colleagues including her mentor Emma-Jane Sharp at Becket Keys Church of England School.

In just her second year as a Design and Technology teacher, Miss Gill was nominated because of her lessons which engage her pupils and also for the help she provides running a number of after school clubs.

Miss Gill said: “I felt honoured to have been put forward for the award and to know Emma-Jane thought I was praiseworthy of the award.

“I was shocked and overwhelmed upon discovering I had actually won it.

“This would not have been possible without the brilliant support, guidance and opportunity provided by Becket Keys and all of the staff, especially Emma-Jane Sharp throughout my first year.”

She said her tips to be a good teacher were to be enthusiastic about the subject, understand pupils needs while pushing them at the same time, be creative and constantly learning yourself.

Headteacher Andy Scott-Evans said Miss Gill’s win was well deserved.

He said: “We were all delighted.

“She is a brave and determined young teacher who has a bright career ahead of her.

“I am particularly impressed with how she stretches our gifted and talented students to achieve exceptional levels.”