HE joked that this was the first prize he had won, adding that luck had never been on his side even when it came to drawing the school raffle.

But the wait was more than worth it when the head teacher of Woolston Community High School was named as the Warrington Guardian’s teacher of the month on Monday.

After being tricked into attending the school assembly under false pretences, Nick Toyne said he was proud to receive the award and that it was a great accolade for all those who work there.

The 52-year-old, who has worked at a number of schools in Lancashire before taking up the Warrington post three years ago, said: “I think teaching is the most important job in the world and I always wanted to be able to make a difference to the lives of children.

“That’s one of the reasons I have been doing it all these years.”

The dad of two, whose career in teaching started almost three decades ago, recalled how he knew he wanted to become a teacher from the age of 10 – and this is a decision he never regretted. 

He added: “I like it because every day is different. I also like it because the children are so inspiring.

“I love coming to work and always have done. Being motivated is not a difficult thing for me.”

Nick was nominated for the award for his tireless efforts in transforming the school and for always taking the time to listen to both parents and pupils.

Come rain or shine – he will always stand at the gates to greet the pupils as they arrive and bid them a fond farewell as they leave.

“I do that so I can tell everyone what a great school we go to and what great children go here,” he said, before adding that he couldn’t imagine doing any other job.

Each month, the Warrington Guardian celebrates the hard work, dedication and achievements of one deserving teacher in the town.

The award, which is sponsored by education recruitment and training consultancy Academics Ltd, honours a teacher who has made a real difference to the school community.

To nominate a deserving teacher for next month’s teacher of the month award e-mail lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk.