TWO teachers and a school will be flying the flag for Oxfordshire at the annual teaching awards.

They have been shortlisted for the South East finals of the 2010 Teacher of the Year awards.

They find out if they have made it to the national finals at a ceremony at the British Museum, London, on Tuesday, June 22.

Lisa Loosley, a Year 2 teacher at St Andrew’s Primary School, Headington, has been shortlisted as outstanding new teacher of the year, while Yvonne Hewson, deputy headteacher at Bure Park Primary School, Bicester, is one of three finalists for teacher of the year in a primary school.

Longcot and Fernham Primary School, near Faringdon – rated outstanding by Ofsted last October – reached the finals for outstanding school team of the year.

Miss Loosley, 24, did her undergraduate degree and post-graduate certificate in education at Oxford Brookes University before taking up the post at St Andrew’s nearly two years ago.

She said: “I felt absolutely astonished and flattered when I found out I had been shortlisted, I really couldn’t believe it.

“I love being with the children every second of every day and I love helping them progress.

“St Andrew’s is a lovely school with a fantastic headteacher who has helped me reach my full potential.”

Headteacher Sue Baker said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted for her.

“She is a fantastic teacher and children make amazing progress in her class. Children and parents adore her.”

Yvonne Hewson, 48, from Shipton-under-Wychwood, has been at Bure Park since it opened just over 10 years ago, and teaches a Year 2 class as well as acting as deputy headteacher.

She said: “When the British Council said they were going to nominate me I didn’t expect to get this far because there are so many fabulous teachers.

“It’s also nice for the school because it’s recognition not just for me but for the school and the whole school team.

“You always remember teachers who inspire you, that are enthusiastic and that make learning interesting so to get to the final three for this area is a massive honour and quite overwhelming.”

Headteacher Rob Pearson added: “She has proved an outstanding teacher who has added so much to the lives of children and the wider community. She is a lovely person and a great asset to the teaching profession.”

The six-strong team of teachers at Longcot and Fernham School were nominated by headteacher David Howlett, who said he believed the team stood a good chance of winning.

He said: “We put a lot of hard work into providing the children with a wide range of activities.

“We have recently had some vandalism on site which is very dispiriting for staff, so this has geed everyone up again.

“To win the award, after receiving an outstanding Ofsted report and an excellent health and safety inspection, would be the icing on the cake.”

Mr Howlett said he could not attend the ceremony – he will be in school supporting supply teachers while the other five members of staff go up to London.

Hundreds of teachers and schools were nominated across 11 categories and the winners will go on to represent the South East in the national final.