A TEACHER at Writtle College has won a prestigious award.

Dr Anya Perera, interim head of the school for sustainable environments, was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship – an award recognising excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning.

Dr Perera is one of only 55 higher education staff across the country to be given the award by the Higher Education Academy.

She will receive £10,000 to support her professional development.

Dr Perera, who lives in Chelmsford, said: “It is a huge honour to receive this award, and I am excited at the opportunity it will give me to develop my teaching ideas.”

Dr Stephen Waite, college principal, said: “Anya has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of the student experience, giving undergraduates and postgraduates the support they need to excel academically, professionally and personally – this is fundamental to what we do at Writtle College.”