THERE were smiles all round for some of Oxfordshire’s top teachers as they were honoured in the London and South East Teaching Awards.

Two received distinctions for their work, and a primary school was commended in the outstanding school team of the year category.

Year Two teacher Lisa Loosley has been at St Andrew’s School, in Headington, for two years.

Ms Loosley received a distinction in the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust Award for outstanding new teacher of the year.

She said: “When I got back, the school had thrown a surprise party for me. That was the best bit really, having the people who know me appreciate me so much.”

Yvonne Hewson, deputy headteacher and Year Two teacher at Bure Park Primary School, in Bicester, received a distinction in the Royal Air Force Award for teacher of the year in a primary school.

Mrs Hewson said: “I felt very proud. It was a great achievement, because there were so many nominated, so to get a distinction was just overwhelming.”

The teaching staff at Longcot and Fernham Primary School, near Faringdon, received a commendation in the outstanding team of the year category.

Four of the six staff went to the ceremony, at the British Museum, while headteacher David Howlett held the fort at the school.

He said: “It was a tremendous surprise to the staff who went down. They had a wonderful time.”