MP for The Cotswolds Geoffrey Clifton-Blown commended the Gazette’s Teacher of the Year winner Jayne Pedley following the official presentation of the award.

The Conservative MP dropped into Hillesley Primary School last Friday to present teaching head Mrs Pedley with the prize.

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

“Every time I visit Hillesley School I am always inspired by what headteacher Jayne Pedley and her staff are able to deliver for their children,” Mr Clifton-Brown told the Gazette following the award presentation.

“I congratulate Jayne on winning this justly deserved award.”

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.

“I’m absolutely shocked,” she said.

“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.”

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