A Sandbach pupil has been named the best IT learner in the world in a prestigious competition with students competing from all over the globe.

Rey Poh from Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College was yesterday awarded the Gold BTEC award for IT and Computing Learner of the year.

And her computing teacher, Dominic Luther, couldn't be prouder for the student who he nominated for her "consistently outstanding attitude towards both her work and that of her peers".

Mr Luther said: "She has an amazing attitude and is such a positive influence. She is a spectacular learner and is full of so much enthusiasm. There were competitors from all over the world and Rey was the top."

Rey's hard work and dedication were celebrated at the 11th anniversary of Pearson's annual BTEC awards yesterday which saw entries worldwide in the BTEC qualifications which are recognised in over 70 countries.

Nineteen category award winners were celebrated from around the UK and internationally in subjects such as Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Engineering, IT, Business and Sport.

Rey, from Singapore, was absolutely over the moon about winning the gold award but isn't sitting on her laurels. She is busy working on her latest project, Print on Demand, and has her sights set on a career on project management and cyber security.

She said: "Both my parents work in the IT industry and I just love the subject. I am honoured and grateful to win the award. This achievement has given me a tremendous amount of encouragement and confidence to pursue IT as a career."

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Rey, who lives in Sandbach, says she enjoys video editing and has even made a video to help IT learners at the school.

Headteacher Ellen Walton said: "For Rey to win the prestigious Gold BTEC Award for IT and Computing Learner of the Year is a phenomenal achievement.

"We are so very proud of Rey and indeed our fantastic IT and computing provision here at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College.

"For Rey to be recognised on a global scale like this is a huge achievement for Rey and for the staff at our school and we continue to fly the flag for women here in STEM subjects."