A “truly remarkable” tutor at a Sheppey school came top of the class at the Kent Teacher of the Year awards.

Amy Rowley, who works in Year 2 at St George’s Primary in Chequers Road, Minster, won the 2014 Primary Teacher of the Year prize at a ceremony at Hempstead House, Sittingbourne, last Wednesday.

She had already received the district award, but was “completely shocked” to go on and be named as the best in the county.

The 26-year-old, who is also the school’s key stage 1 coordinator, was nominated by her pupils and their parents, all of whom noted her ability to identify children’s academic and emotional needs.

They also commended her for making them feel that their child was the most important in the world.

One nomination from a pupil said: “I love Miss Rowley she is the best teacher ever. She is always happy, she is a very good dancer and she is going to marry David Beckham.”

Miss Rowley, who lives in Canterbury, started as a newly qualified teacher at her current workplace five years ago.

She said: “It feels fantastic. I’m really pleased, obviously, and really thankful that I have a really lovely class and for the lovely parents that voted for me.

“I have been very lucky to work at the school as it has grown. For me, it’s just about watching the children have fun and make progress and helping them to achieve something that they previously couldn’t do.”

She added she would love to be in charge of her own school one day but said that was “in the distance somewhat”.

Head teacher at St George’s, Howard Fisher, said: “Miss Rowley is an outstanding practitioner who always goes above and beyond. I am delighted that she has won.

“She has worked with me since we opened this new school in 2009 where she started her career as a new teacher and was my first appointment when we built the new St George’s.

“She thoroughly deserves this award. I was so pleased to have received her nomination earlier this year and was equally proud of how many parents took time to send in their comments.”