A RAYLEIGH headteacher has been named the best in the country.

Andy Hodgkinson, head at the Sweyne Park School, in Rayleigh, picked up the Gold Plato Pearson Teaching Award at a ceremony in London’s Guildhall.

He had already been selected for a silver award in the regional contest, but went on to be recognised as the best secondary headteacher at the national awards, which were hosted by TV historian Dan Snowand broadcast on BBC 2.

Mr Hodgkinson, 43, says he was a little lost for words after receiving the award.

He said: “I am very surprised, but delighted.

“I am really proud and pleased for the school, the kids, staff and governors.

“My children and wife were there with me, so it was a really lovely occasion and it was fantastic seeing how they construct a television event such as that.”

Mr Hodgkinson was presented with his award by broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and said the recognition is a reward for the whole school, not just his work.

The school, rated outstanding in its last Ofsted inspection, opened its new sixth-form in September after becoming an academy last year.

The language teacher added: “It’s business as usual, nothing changes, I’m getting stuck back into the job and teaching some classes.

“The award is for everything the school has done, people must be sick and tired of me saying it, but I am really lucky to have a great school community here.

“We aren’t perfect, but the kids are great, I wouldn’t swap my staff for any others in the whole country – plus we’ve got great governors, too.

“The new sixth form has been the best part of this new school year so far, it’s been nice to see old students come back and to welcome new students into what so far has been a great atmosphere.”

The judging panel, made up of teachers and former winners, praised Mr Hodgkinson’s dedication to the cause.

A spokesman for the panel said: “It is wonderful that a leader’s personal mission has become so deeply embedded in a school. It seems that the entire school community shares his desire to see well-educated and well-rounded young people able to take their place in the world successfully.”

Simply the best: Pupils' views on their head

JACK KINDELL, 14: “Mr Hodgkinson is a very honest teacher and he always gives you really good feedback. He teaches me German at the minute and it is going well. I think it is good that a headteacher still teaches.”

ELLIE O’SHEA, 15: “He was one of the main reasons I took German last year and I really enjoyed it. He is always available if I want to talk to him. He doesn’t need to be strict because everyone respects him.”

HANNAH EVERY, 16: “Ever since I heard that Sweyne Park was starting a sixth form I was set on staying on here.

"Even if Mr Hodgkinson hasn’t taught you individually he still seems to know every pupil’s name, which is really good."

ETHAN WILSON, 16: "He seems to be able to take really complex things and make them quite simple and understandable. Sweyne Park has a real family feel and a lot of that is down to Mr Hodgkinson.”