Advance teacher trainees celebrated in special event

A cohort of new teachers in North Essex have been honoured following the successful completion of their training.

Advance Teacher Training, which covers Clacton, Tendring and Colchester, saluted their Class of 2026 with a special event celebrating the outstanding achievements, resilience and dedication of their teacher trainees.

The informal ceremony brought together the newly qualified secondary and primary school teachers alongside mentors, programme leaders and representatives from The Sigma Trust, of which Advance Teacher Training is a member.

Dr Sarah Alix, Programme Director, said: “This year’s cohort has shown passion, resilience and a deep commitment to the teaching profession.

“We are immensely proud of what they have achieved this year and we cannot wait to see the lasting impact they will make in classrooms across the region.”

The celebration event awarded certificates of achievement to all graduates as well as recognising individual achievements.

Harry Bouchard and Viviana Tif (both secondary school trainees) and Natashia Wenman (primary) were named the Inspirational Trainees for 2026.

The Rising Star awards went to Charlie Corbett and Ellie Clark (both secondary) and Madison Sawers (primary) while Charlotte Kellett (secondary) and Amber Mills (primary) won the Resilience Awards.

The secondary Mentor of the Year went to Charlotte Edwards and Paris Emms and Terry Cook won the same accolade for primary.

Special awards were also given to two instrumental figures in the teacher training community, Laura Reynolds and Liz Bartholomew, acknowledging their years of dedicated service.