A TEACHER described as “the best in the world” has been named one of the finalists in the 2019 Worcestershire Education Awards.

The Worcester News received six different nominations for Ashlea Brewer, of Lickey Hills Primary School, and the 24-year-old is one of three finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr Brewer, from Malvern, did a placement at Lickey Hills near Bromsgrove during his teacher training course and said he knew straight away that he wanted to work there when he qualified.

Speaking of being named a finalist, he said: “It is a real surprise but I am delighted to be a finalist. Just being nominated was amazing and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate me.

“With my nomination and the one for Mrs George, it really shows the school is going in the right direction and there has been a real buzz around the school ever since.”

Mr Brewer, who was worked at Lickey Hills since 2016, added: "The most rewarding part of my job is getting to know the pupils as individuals as this helps you get to know what makes them tick and how to teach them.”

At the time of his nomination, Lickey Hills headteacher Amanda Salisbury paid tribute to Mr Brewer, saying: “He is a great asset to our brilliant staff team and, although a recently qualified teacher, Mr Brewer has a very firm but fair approach in his teaching style and the children enjoy the challenges he provides in their learning.”

The Worcestershire Education Awards judges met last week and the full list of finalists for each of the 12 categories will be announced in a supplement in the Worcester News on May 23.

Winners will be revealed at June 20's awards ceremony, at the University Arena.