Three teachers from Romford were shortlisted for a prestigious award, the finalists of which were announced on Friday.

Judges from the Pearson Teaching Awards sorted through thousands of entries from across the UK before selecting and visiting finalists to see them at work.

This Friday regional and national winners will be selected to go forward to a UK judging panel, before taking part in a ‘red carpet’ event broadcast by BBC2 where they will be given a golden Plato to symbolise the original figurehead of teaching and education.

Teaching assistant Perry Kimble said she was humbled by the response she received after learning of her nomination.

“I obviously worked really hard for it, but I’m just one in a number,” the teaching assistant and mother of two said. “It feels great to be nominated, but I see it a lot as a reflection of the work we do as a team.”

Marilyn Whiskerd, the Headteacher of Towers Junior School in Hornchurch, said Mrs Kimble has dazzled her colleagues since beginning four years ago, delivering an innovative and topical syllabus to teachers, and helping them teach invigorating and exciting classes. “She plays such a unique, invaluable role at Towers Junior School and makes such a positive difference to the whole school.

Staff and pupils at Bower Park School in Havering were thrilled to learn that their Head Teacher, Mary Morrison, had been awarded Head Teacher of the Year for London and South East in the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards.

“I was glad I was there to see it,” said colleague Andy Mann, “it was a great day for Mary and the school. Mary was moved and almost lost for words.”

Mary will now graduate to another tear of judging where she will be in the running to go to a Roll on the national finals.

Meanwhile, teachers at Squirrels Heath Infant School in Havering were also delighted to learn that Isabella Martin has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the Pearson Teaching awards for 2013.

The school cheered in assembly this morning as she was presented with her certificate, on the day that marks Thank the Teacher day.

Christine Drew, Head Teacher at the school, said: “Well done Miss Martin we are so pleased that your commitment to the pupils you teach has been recognised.”