PRESS RELEASE

Four Brent teachers triumphed at the London finals of thisyear's Teaching Awards held at Westminster's Central Hall on 23 June.

Karen Giles, head teacher of Barham Primary, Claire Bocock, from MichaelSobell Sinai, Juliette McGirr, from Claremont High and Mohenni Patel, from JohnKelly Girls' were among finalists from 15 London boroughs who were honoured at the prestigious ceremony,hosted by BBC television news presenter, Riz Lateef.

Karen Giles and Claire Bocock were awarded the highesthonour, each receiving a Plato statuette - the Teaching Award'ssymbol of excellence in education - in two separate categories. Claire won the category of Teacher of the Year in a PrimarySchool, while Karen scooped The DCSF Award for Enterprise.

Juliette McGirr received a distinctionin the Outstanding Teacher of the Year category, while

Mohenni Patel received a commendation in the Next GenerationLearning category. They were also presented with an engraved glass award.

All four were given a rapturous reception from colleagues, pupils and parents who formed part of the 400-strong audience.

John Christie, Director of Children and Families at Brent Council, says: "My congratulations and thanks go out to all four worthywinners.  I am thrilled that their hardwork and dedication has been recognised and rewarded in this way and theyshould be very proud of themselves.  Thatfact that these teachers come from four separate Brent schools is prettyimpressive and confirms that this borough really does have some of the bestteachers in London."

Thesuccessful foursome are now looking forward to attending the Teaching Awardsceremony with other champions from London and the rest of the UK on Sunday 25October at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, which will be broadcast on BBC2 later that day.