A LONG-SERVING staff member from a High Wycombe school is celebrating after winning a prestigious award at The House of Commons.

Hashmet Nathekar is in her 20th year at The Highcrest Academy, in Hatters Lane – after attending the school on the same site as a child.

She says being crowned outstanding educational leader by the Inspiring Indian Women organisation is the best thing that has happened in her career.

Mrs Nathekar, a specialist teacher in English as an Additional Language at the school, said she was stunned to discover she had won the first place in the category at the recent She Inspires Awards on International Women’s Day.

The event is organised by Inspiring Indian Women and was hosted in Parliament by members of the Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when they called my name out as winner. There were 250 candidates for 15 categories. It was nerve-wracking being in front of MPs, but I used the Highcrest motto ‘Aspire and Achieve’ in my thank you speech. I said my favourite place and my favourite school is Highcrest.”

The mother-of-two from High Wycombe, who was presented with her trophy and certificates by MP Bob Blackman, revealed: “I didn’t even know I had been entered for the award, but my friends at Highcrest nominated me and got information about my work from colleagues – and then informed me I needed to write something about myself which was a shock and surprise.”

She added: “I went to Highcrest as a student when it was Hatters Lane, in the days it was a separate boys and girls and school in the late 60s. I love this school and want to carry on working here until my arms and legs stop working.”

Rashmi Mishra from Inspiring Indian Women said the awards invited nominations from all around the world. She said: “We are proud of our jury’s choice, Mrs Nathekar. She is an epitome of humility, dedication and sincerity - a role model for the young generation to follow.”