OLDHAM primary school teacher Collette Donnelly has won an "Oscar for teachers".

She has been revealed as one of just 68 Silver Award winners across the country celebrated on "Thank A Teacher Day" on June 19,

The gongs are the Pearson National Teaching Awards, marking their 21st year of celebrating excellence in education.

Presented with a prestigious Pearson Silver Teaching Award trophy at her school, Lyndhurst Primary School in Heron Street, Oldham, during a special assembly to celebrate her outstanding achievement, Collette was selected from thousands of nominations for her continued commitment to her students, and her wider teaching team.

She will now join her fellow winners and Lyndhurst Primary Head Teacher Lizzie Egan-Walsh at a special event taking place at the House of Commons on July, as well as a glittering “Oscars for Teachers” awards ceremony in London in October where she is shortlisted for one of just 13 Gold Awards.

The event is later broadcast on BBC2 as a showcase of excellence in education.

Previous award presenters include former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair, acting legends Jenny Agutter, Alison Steadman and Sheila Hancock, as well as sports and TV personalities including Shirley Ballas, Helen Glover, Brendan Cole and Nadiya Hussain.

Lyndhurst Primary School is part of Focus Trust - a multi-academy trust based in Greater Manchester, comprising of 15 schools across West Yorkshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Head teacher Lizzie said: “Collette is an all-round fantastic teacher. She is passionate, driven and committed to making a difference to the lives of all around her.

“The Lyndhurst school vision is shaping the future, making memories, ready for life – Collette lives and breathes this vision - in her daily practice, her ethos and values and her holistic approach to learning.

“Through the development of Science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) provision at Lyndhurst, Collette has raised the profile of STEM across the school, including leading the Vex Robotics Team to the National Finals in Telford, and is a pioneer for women in engineering.

“Collette has made many links with STEM professionals, raised funds to ensure children can attend STEM events and has enthused and inspired our team to strive for the best outcomes for all.

“We could not be prouder that she has been recognised today as part of the Pearson National Teaching Awards, and we know that we will always benefit from her continued contribution to our school and the wider Focus Trust.”

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach – many of whom go on to train as teachers themselves thanks to the significant impact their teachers have had on them.