Teaching staff in Medway have proved they are top of the class.
They won two of the overall winner titles at the Kent Teacher of The Year awards and four of the district categories.
Heather Walding, from Chattenden Primary School, was named the county’s overall head teacher of the year.
Judges heard how her vision at the Chattenden Lane school is to not only help the children educationally, but make their life experience better overall.
They were told she is an “outstanding” and effective manager with an “excellent rapport” with staff, pupils, parents and governors.
Jordan Kenison, from Brompton Academy, not only won a special award for Medway, but took the newly-qualified teacher title for the whole of Kent.
She was described as having “gumption, energy and the drive to change the world” at the Malborough Road, Gillingham, school.
Rebecca Adams, from Walderslade Primary School, was the primary winner for Medway. Judges heard how she was highly praised by Ofsted just two weeks after starting her job.
Hundred of Hoo School teacher David Tuffin was the district’s secondary winner and was described as “highly respected and regarded” by all.
Maria Simone and Sarah Key, from The Howard School, Rainham, were the teaching assistant winners who had made a “spectacular effort” and shown “extraordinary commitment”.
Finalists were invited to a special presentation evening at Hempstead House Country House Hotel and Spa, in Bapchild.
The awards were organised by the KM Charity Team in partnership with the KM Group.
There were more than 200 nominations for categories that included newly-qualified teacher, primary, secondary and a team award.
Simon Dolby, from the KM Charity Team, said the event was a great opportunity to celebrate excellence and achievement in teaching, a role that is fundamental to our society and our children’s future.
He added: “All the teachers and support staff share passion for their vocation, dedication, commitment, hard graft and give their own time way beyond the call of duty.
Mr Dolby said he was grateful to all of the sponsors: Denne; Kent County Council; Canterbury Christ Church University; Star Lesson; Network & Cabling Solutions; Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne; Independent Music Productions and Southern Educational Leadership Trust.