Ashley Loasby, who studied Education Studies at the University, was named Teacher of the Year at the United Learning’s national Best in Everyone Primary School Awards at the House of Lords.

Fellow teaching alumnus, Keith Greaves, also has reason to celebrate after he was named Primary Teacher of the Year in the Lincolnshire Media Education Awards.

Ashley has been a teacher at Kettering Buccleuch Academy for five years, and studied a degree before going on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Ashley, who is the third generation in her family to be a teacher, said: “I was so happy to have won. My head teacher came into the classroom and announced the news in front of my class and the children went crazy. It was really nice to be recognised.”

Keith is a teacher at Kirton Primary School in Boston, Lincolnshire and completed a Primary PGCE at the University in 2013. Keith had worked in the private sector for many years but embarked on a career change to become a teacher so he could spend more time with his young family.

“It was amazing to just be nominated for the award, but to win was just fantastic. I’d like to thank the team at Bedfordshire, and in particular my mentor Diana Parton, for helping me be the teacher I am.”

Diana Parton, a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at the University, said: “Keith’s attitude towards his studies and his school experiences during his PGCE year was always highly professional. He developed good relationships with pupils and staff on school placements and was always keen to support with activities and engage with the wider school community.”

Pictured: Ashley Loasby (centre) with colleagues head of primary at Angela O'Neill & teaching assistant Jill Hawkes.