A Balham teacher described by her headmaster as someone who "changes lives" has scooped a teaching award.

Helen Everett, from St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College in Balham, was announced as the winner of the Pearson Teaching Award for FE Teacher of the Year in London and the South East.

Ms Everett teaches A level drama and theatre arts, performance studies and dance.

St Francis Xavier headmaster Stella Flannery said: "I do not know a young person taught by her who would not attest to her unique ability and commitment. She changes lives."

The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching, founded in 1999 by Lord Puttnam, they recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people they teach.

More than 24,000 nominations were received and Ms Everett will now join fellow winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards on October 20, filmed in London and broadcast by the BBC.