AN Ealing teacher is hoping to walk off with one of the teaching profession's greatest prizes.

Pritpal Singh, headteacher of Drayton Manor High School, is one of the nominated candidates for the title of Headteacher of the Year.

Winners of the regional finals, including Mr Singh, have already won digital cameras, computer software for their schools and professional development opportunities for themselves.

The sixth annual teaching awards ceremony will be held at the Palace Theatre in Cambridge Circus this Sunday.

The regional winners from London will be joined by winners from other regions of the country at the televised ceremony with the BBC linking to the nominated teachers' schools. The awards will be hosted by GMTV presenter Eamon Holmes.

A spokesman said: "Quite simply his leadership is excellent.

"Pritpal has successfully built a high performing team of senior managers who have effectively managed change to create an outstanding school.

"He leads from example and from the front taking responsibility in partnership with all staff, governors, parents, and students for the key decisions that have to be made."

Drayton Manor High School now holds Beacon Status and security at the school has dramatically got better.

Graffiti and damage has also been improved.

One former pupil said the school's atmosphere changed when Mr Singh arrived.

He said: "The buildings were replaced and the image smartened. Pupils felt able to have respect and friendship with teachers."

Mr Singh added: "I aim for excellence without elitism."