A SWINDON College student has beaten 150 other people from around the south to achieve the Primary Teaching Assistant of the Year 2016 award from the prestigious White Horse Federation.

Shaun Preen, 29, who completed a Support for Learning Foundation Degree at Swindon College, has been working at Tregoze Primary School since 2011 and decided to do a relevant course at the college to help him achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.

Shaun was surprised to learn that he was nominated for an award by some of his teachers for his hard work. He then found out he actually won when he attended an awards evening in Cheltenham on June 17 with several of his colleagues.

Shaun said: “When I heard my name called out, I couldn’t believe it. I was buzzing when I collected my award from the stage and I felt great.

“I am really chuffed to be appreciated and recognised. To be rewarded for the impact you have had on children’s lives at school is fabulous.”

After he finishes his honours degree, he plans on getting a place on a Schools Direct Scheme where he will work full time at his school for a year to achieve his teacher training.

But for now he is progressing onto the BA in Education and Lifelong Learning at Swindon College. He said: “I would love to be back on that stage getting the Teacher of the Year award.”