FOLLOWING weeks of close competition, the Gazette can now announce that its Teacher of the Year in Gloucestershire is head of Hillesley School, Jayne Pedley.

The Gazette’s Teacher of the Year competition was launched in March with the aim of commending local heroes of the classroom and the significant role they play in our communities.

Votes have been pouring in for teachers in the Gloucestershire, Thornbury and Yate and Sodbury patches after we announced our nominated shortlists last month.

Mrs Pedley won the competition in the Gloucestershire patch by a wide margin, earning herself a trophy, bragging rights and a free meal for two at The Falcon Steakhouse in Wotton-under-Edge.

The teaching headteacher at Hillesley CEVA School was stunned to be presented with the award by Gazette reporter Stuart Rust on Tuesday.

“I’m absolutely shocked,” she said when she first learned she had won. “It’s an absolute privilege to work here. Although it’s what I do for a living, I really do love doing it. I’m very grateful to everyone I work with and everyone who supports the school – and, of course, the children, who are great. It’s all about them.”

Having previously taught in much larger schools in Manchester and London, the little school in Hillesley with 36 pupils has been quite a change, but a change she has welcomed with open arms.

Discussing why she entered the profession, Mrs Pedley said: “I always was inclined to want to pass information onto other people, explain the world to myself and others. I have always enjoyed seeing children understand things and reach their potential.”

“I like working with people – I’m a people person.”

Mrs Pedley was nominated by school receptionist Dawn Hardwick and other staff members. They described Mrs Pedley as a “true role model to both pupils and staff”, commending her wide-ranging abilities and sense of humour.

“Over years of loyal service, Jayne has made a difference to the lives of hundreds of children and earned the respect of the whole community,” the nomination read.

Despite the high praise, Mrs Pedley remained humble. She said: “There’s obviously a fantastic team here, in the school and in the village and beyond. We work with loads of people and actively encourage people to come in and help out.”

She went on to say that while she had won the award for her teaching, it was really for the children, too.

“This award is very reaffirming, especially as schools do get a lot of bad press. I see it as our job to step through the political agenda, because the bottom line is it’s about what’s best for the children. This award is really for them as well.”