A HEADTEACHER from Combs Middle School could be named one of the best in the business if success comes his way at a top teaching award ceremony.Ian Crissell's 28 years at the school are set for recognition at the Teaching Award Trust's annual regional presentation.

A HEADTEACHER from Combs Middle School could be named one of the best in the business if success comes his way at a top teaching award ceremony.

Ian Crissell's 28 years at the school are set for recognition at the Teaching Award Trust's annual regional presentation.

The awards are dubbed one of the teaching profession's highest accolades and the nomination has been welcomed with open arms by the school.

Mr Crissell has been headteacher there for two years.

He said: "Being a good teacher is all about being able to relate to people and communicate.

"It's not just about teaching anymore.

"You must be able to make people feel like individuals and that's not always easy when you have a class of 30 pupils."

It is the School and Community Involvement award that could have Mr Crissell's name on it by the end of the month.

He added: "Schools shouldn't be islands separated from the community and I have always tried to involve the two.

"This is a nomination for the whole school, not just me, as you can only succeed with the right environment and conditions.

"I've been lucky and am surrounded by smashing colleagues.

"It's something for us all to be proud of."

This stage of the awards recognises teachers and teaching assistants from across the east of England. The ceremony will be held on Friday, June 18, in Norwich and will be attended by the secretary of state for education and skills Charles Clarke.

Winners will get £2,000 and £1,000 of computer equipment for the school and go forward to the national leg where their prize value could reach £25,000.

Regional awards will be given out for nine other categories and the winners will go on to the national leg in October, due to be televised on the BBC.