TOP TEACHER IS AN 'INSPIRATION'

Claire Atherton, assistant principal at Hailsham Community College, received the accolade from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) at a gala event in London.

The Raising Achievement through Teaching and Learning Awards ceremony was attended by 200 delegates from across the UK.

SSAT consultant Peter Nathan described the college's work in the area of equalities and inclusion as stunning.

College principal Lesley Farmer said: 'We are delighted that Claire's work has received this recognition.

'Her commitment to Hailsham and its families is unfailing and I have never met anyone who is quite so passionate and dedicated to her work.

'She really is an inspiration to us all.'

Claire, who lives in Hailsham, joined the school in 1986.

She told the Express: 'I feel very honoured.

'This is a real privilege but I must stress that all the work done in this field at the College is valuable.

'To me nothing is more important than helping young people and their families.'

The SSAT was particularly impressed by the team that Claire had built which works with students who are identified as potentially under-achieving.

Support is tailored to their individual needs making sure everyone receives the right level of input.

Students who had benefited included youngsters with problems of long-term health, learning, social, emotional or family difficulties.

Some of them were so proud of what they had been able to achieve they asked to contribute to Claire's scheme.

It was because Claire received such positive feedback from staff in other schools that she was nominated for the award.