LAST week I had the honour of judging the nominations for the 2019 Worcestershire Education Awards and, with so many deserving candidates, choosing just three finalists for each of the 12 categories was such a difficult task.

Our panel of judges spent hours reading each submission and deliberating on which three nominees deserved to make the final shortlist, and there was a strong case for every entrant – which made me feel proud to be based in a county with so many superb education workers.

The full list of finalists will be revealed in a special supplement in the Worcester News on Thursday May 23 but today we have focused on one of the shortlisted three for the Teacher of the Year award, Ashlea Brewer of Lickey Hills Primary School.

The 24-year-old is described as “a great asset” by his headteacher, while one child called him “the best teacher in the world” – and the enthusiasm he generates among his pupils is testament to how an excellent education can inspire kids to love learning and reach their potential.

READ MORE: WEA 2019: First finalist revealed for Teacher of the Year Award