Who will be top of the class?
THE fantastic work and achievements of our best secondary schools and further education colleges will be celebrated once again with the launch of the Nottingham Post Education Awards 2018.
In partnership with headline sponsors the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, we want to hear about the brilliant students, teachers and other individuals who have made a difference or gone that extra mile to succeed.
Nominations are open now in ten different categories, including ‘science and engineering,’ ‘inspirational teacher of the year,’ and ‘sporting achievement.’
Entries will be open until Thursday, November 15 after which our independent judging panel will come up with a shortlist in each category who will be invited to a glittering final at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday, December 13. In addition, the ‘student of the year’ award will be selected from all the entries we receive to honour an exceptional individual, while the ‘lifetime achievement’ award will also be decided by the judging panel to recognise outstanding performance.
Last year’s coveted ‘headteacher of the year’ award went to Steve Lewis, from Rushcliffe School. The former maths teacher was singled out for his remarkable efforts since taking over the role of executive head in 2014.
Steve said: “It was a great surprise and a real honour to be awarded headteacher of the year.
“It’s fantastic that there is a ceremony that recognises all the great pupils and staff who make our schools such vibrant, caring and rewarding places to be.
“It was a real privilege to share the evening with such pupils and staff from throughout Nottinghamshire.”
Professor Jeremy Gregory, pro vicechancellor for the faculty of arts at the
University of Nottingham, said it was an honour to be involved with the awards.
He added: “We are delighted to support the Nottingham Post Education Awards in order to celebrate the often unrecognised achievements and hard work of students and teachers in a range of educational contexts in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
“At the University of Nottingham, we are committed to the development of local education. Our arts and humanities foundation year entry route offers local students an opportunity to gain a place on one of our degree courses should they fall short of our direct entry degree entry requirements and have additional personal barriers to participation.
“In addition, the university provides financial support to such students and those from lower income backgrounds.
“We wish to encourage precisely those students who have overcome significant hurdles in their lives too, as it is often those who go on to make the most of their time at university.
“Through the beating the odds award, we want to celebrate all those who have overcome significant hurdles to continue with their education and achieve their goals.”
Mike Sassi, editor of the Nottingham Post, said he was looking forward to hearing about the superb work going on in the field of education in Nottinghamshire.
He added: “It always makes me feel proud and humbled to hear about so many superb young people and inspirational staff members doing incredible work every day at local schools and colleges.
“I urge everyone to get online now and make those all-important nominations. Best of luck to everyone who is put forward this year.”
■ It’s really easy to nominate someone; just go to www.nottinghampost.com/educationawards from 5pm today.