Students and staff have been celebrating after one of their teachers picked up an award.

Sajida Ali, who works at The Totteridge Academy, was crowned Secondary Early Career Teacher (ECT) of the Year at United Learning’s Best in Everyone Awards 2022.

These national awards honour individuals, teams and departments from across the United Learning group for the contributions they have made to school and community life.

This includes recognition for standout academic successes, sporting and musical achievements, and commitment to leadership and service.

Nominations were submitted earlier in the year and considered by a judging panel. In her nomination, Sajida was described as “one of the most impressive teachers” the school’s maths department has seen.

Teaching Years 8 to 12, Sajida challenges each and every one of her students to achieve highly and strives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

Sajida, who has been hailed for her success in developing resources and electronic assessments for students who are visually impaired, said: "I am thrilled to have been recognised for this award, and I am so proud of the progress I have made since starting at The Totteridge Academy. The support from my mentor and team has been incredible. Thank you so much."

Chris Fairbairn, principal at The Totteridge Academy, added: "We have an incredibly dedicated team of staff here and our maths department in particular has been recognised externally for its determination to raise standards and get brilliant outcomes for our students.

"Sajida is a fantastic addition to this team and has demonstrated enthusiasm, ambition and innovation, both in her work with colleagues and on behalf of her students.

"She has become firmly embedded within our team and we are all looking forward to supporting her as she continues to go from strength to strength in her career."

Sajida received her engraved glass award on June 24 following a special virtual ceremony, that ran alongside the live one at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.

2022 marks the tenth year that the awards have been held.

United Learning is a group of more than 70 schools across England educating more than 40,000 pupils.