Laura Higgins of Even Swindon Junior School Picture Ref: 77550-35TWO teachers from the Swindon area have reached the regional finals of the prestigious Teaching Awards 2005.

Laura Higgins, of Even Swindon Junior School, is a finalist in the category for the Outstanding New Teacher and Wootton Bassett School's Chris Montacute is in the running for the title of Head Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School.

They have both been invited to the ceremony at Ashton Court Mansion in Bristol on Tuesday June 21, when the winners in the ten categories will be announced.

Laura, 24, from Lea, near Malmesbury, is only in her second year as a teacher, after studying for a post-graduate certificate in education from Bath Spa University College.

She said: "I was so pleased to be nominated by my school.

"I'm so proud and it's such a nice surprise to get this far. I didn't expect it at all.

"Even Swindon is a fantastic school and a super environment for teaching, and I couldn't have landed a better job.

"But it's all about the team. None of us here would be anywhere without them."

Although she has been in teaching less than two years she is taking over as special needs co-ordinator at the school.

She said: "For now I just love being in class with the kids."

Michael Keeling, headteacher at Even Swindon, said the school's Wayne Smith, teacher and football coach, was a finalist last year.

"It's a fantastic thing for the school.

"This is the second year running we've had a winner so I'm really pleased.

"This is fully deserved. She is very popular with the children but more importantly she's an excellent teacher, very hard-working and very dedicated."

Mr Montacute, who has been head of Wootton Bassett School for four years and lives in Stroud, said: "I'm obviously delighted and I see this nomination as an accolade for the school, the teachers and the students.

"It's basically them who have helped put the school in such a strong position, and hence recognition to be put forward for this award." This is the second time that Wootton Bassett School has provided a regional finalist.

Two years ago Peter Sheppard, a former deputy headteacher, was nominated for the lifetime achievement award.

David Hanson, chief executive of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: "Teaching Awards winners are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, day in and day out.

"They represent everyone working in education across all key stages and every type of school.

"The ten categories reflect different sectors within education to ensure that every role in schools from headteacher to teaching assistant is honoured and celebrated.

"We believe that there is no greater responsibility than teaching the next generation and that these people deserve recognition at a local and national level.

"The Teaching Awards offer everyone the unique opportunity to thank those unsung heroes of teaching who make a real difference to pupils' lives."

The Bristol event will be hosted by BBC Points West's Chris Vacher, and guests will include film-maker Lord Puttnam, who established the awards in 1998.

Dave Andrew