A dedicated teacher from a Witham academy has been crowned the best new teacher in the country for his passionate work in the town where he has grown up.

Michael Grant, 23, was one of just 11 recipients of the coveted Gold Plato award at the Pearson Teaching Awards.

Dubbed the Oscars of the teaching world, the awards celebrate outstanding teachers across the UK, with Mr Grant being honoured with the Outstanding New Teacher award for his inspirational work in the classroom at New Rickstones Academy.

Mr Grant said: “It was a shock, I did not expect it at all right up until they announced my name.

“It is lovely to be recognised and it is an amazing feeling.

“I love the range of people that I work with in the job - staff, students, parents and governors - and I feel you get to make a real difference as a teacher.

“There is a lot of myths around teaching but I want people to see what a great job it is.”

The former John Bramston School pupil has only been teaching for a year, but is already an integral part of the English department at the academy.

He has become known for his engaging teaching style, incredible subject knowledge and passion for learning. Mr Grant’s classes have become so popular students are regularly asking to join and his pupils make “exceptional” progress with their learning.

Damien Lee, headteacher of New Rickstones Academy, said: “Having taught Michael whilst he was student in Witham I knew from a young age that he would become a successful teacher.

“The passion he has for his subject combined with a calm and thoughtful manner with the students is second to none.

“This is an amazing achievement for Michael and recognition of the great start he has made to his teaching career.

“I’m sure everyone who knows Michael and is involved at New Rickstones Academy will be bursting with pride.”

A glitzy award ceremony took place on Sunday, where Mr Grant, the youngest award winner on the night, was presented with his gong by Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown.