A DEDICATED young teacher from Stanway School has been named the best new teacher in Essex.

English teacher Luella Murray, 24, was honoured with the New Teacher of the Year gong at this year’s Essex Teaching Awards.

Miss Murray was one of dozens of educators from across the county to be recognised at the annual ceremony which is organised by Essex County Council.

Miss Murray, a former St Benedict’s, Colchester Sixth Form and University of Essex student, said: “I was nominated by the school and found out after Christmas.

“It is really nice to be acknowledged for the hard work you put in day after day.

“Teachers do it all for the kids and it is nice to have an evening like this where it is acknowledged we are doing a good job generally.”

After initially struggling with English as a subject, Miss Murray, was inspired to join the profession by the teachers who helped her along the way.

Following her A-levels she studied the subject at university before starting her training, spending time at both Thomas, Lord Audley and Stanway schools.

She only started her first year as a fully qualified teacher in September, but has already won high praise from County Hall bosses.

Miss Murray said: “I love being a form tutor because you get to talk to the students one-to-one.

“You form good relationships and learn a bit more about them. It is like having 28 children of your own.”

The young star, who has lived in Colchester all her life, praised the staff and students at Stanway School following her award win.

“It is a really lovely community to work amongst at Stanway,” she said.

“All the teachers are in it for the kids, who themselves are great. The job never ends but it is worth it when you see the kids pick up their results.”

She added: “I would encourage anyone thinking of getting into teaching to look into it because you really don’t get the same fulfilment from other jobs.”

Busy Bees nursery’s pre-school room was highly commended in the Early Years and Foundation Stage Practitioner of the Year category.

Clacton County High School’s Viv Dundon and Louise Horton were acknowledged in the Lifetime Achievement category.