Five teachers from across Basingstoke and Deane have been recognised by the county council.

Hampshire County Council held their annual education awards virtually earlier this week.

It recognises teachers and staff from schools and colleges across the county who have excelled this year.

And among the victors were five staff from schools and colleges in Basingstoke and Deane.

Two members of staff at The Clere in Burghclere won awards.

Cheryl Wheeler and Mike Marzetti were victorious in the 'teaching and learning' and 'flying colours' categories respectively.

The teaching and learning award is aimed at staff working in all areas of the curriculum in teaching and learning roles, with a particular focus on their impact on pupils and the practice of others, whilst the flying colours award is aimed at teachers who have recently qualified and have made a significant contribution or development as a teacher.

Judges said that Cheryl is a "much respected" member of The Clere.

"Through her teaching, she has provided young people opportunities to learn life skills and to be able to access further education, training or employment," they continued.

Meanwhile, Mike was employed by The Clere this year as a newly qualified teacher.

"Referred to as an outstanding maths trainee, he is totally committed to his pupils, always open to new ideas and willing to try new things," the judges said.

"Mike has built many positive relationships with pupils and parents and is respected by all his colleagues at the school."

Meanwhile, Helen Wood, of Winklebury Schools Foundation, was awarded the apprentice award.

Judges said: "Helen started the School Business Professional Level 4 programme with Hampshire Achieves in November 2018 alongside working in a school with financial challenges.

"She produced high quality assignments during her apprenticeship and successfully and effectively applied the learning to her schools.

"Over the past 18 months Helen has significantly improved the school’s financial position."

Meanwhile, two members of staff at two of Basingstoke's further education colleges were recognised in the 'improving life chances award'.

The category is aimed at any staff members in schools or colleges, whether teachers or support staff, making a significant difference to disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

Basingstoke College of Technology's Lynsey Spillane and Queen Mary's College's Lucy Poynter were awarded the title.

The judges said that Lynsey "has completely transformed the specialist/Foundation level provision".

"She has devised a programme that can be tailored to individual needs enabling the college to support students who were previously unsuccessful in education and provided opportunities that they would have otherwise not been able to have.

"Examples of this are introducing music and art therapy, developing links with a boxing academy and engaging with other agencies and professionals."

"Lucy is a SEND support worker at the college and is described as an ‘invaluable asset who excels in putting disadvantaged students and those with additional needs at ease'," the judges said about the QMC employee.

"Her support enables them to feel happy and confident.

"In the supporting nomination, one student suggested that without Lucy, his life would be on a very different path."

Councillor Roz Chadd, HCC's executive member for education and skills, said: “This has been a truly challenging year for our exceptionally hard-working teachers, support staff and volunteers.

"They have gone above and beyond to keep our schools and colleges going, in very testing and trying circumstances.

"These awards have showcased the fantastic dedication and talent across Hampshire’s family of schools and colleges.

“This is a chance to say a very special thank you to all the award recipients who, along with their colleagues, have made a real difference, not only in helping grow our pupils, but in adapting, overcoming and coping with the additional pressures that COVID-19 has brought about.”

More than 35 teachers, support staff and governors across Hampshire received awards, judged by headteachers and a college principal.