Awards celebrate the best of Norfolk’s education providers

There is no doubt that these individuals and schools deserve the recognition. 

They’ve worked tirelessly over the last few years in the toughest of circumstances, ensuring students were able to continue learning throughout the Covid lockdowns and supporting them on their return to the classroom and beyond. 

It’s not been easy, but they’ve done us proud, and now it’s time to show our appreciation.

The awards will cover all areas of education, including the support offered to help students get the most out of their learning journey (Image: Getty Images/iStockPhoto)

The awards offer a range of categories that recognise the whole sector, from early years to support staff. They also acknowledge students and apprentices who have gone above and beyond.

Nominations can be made by anyone – colleagues, peers, students, parents, guardians – and institutions and individuals can even nominate themselves. 

The headline sponsor for this year is specialist teaching recruitment agency Step Teachers. These awards couldn’t take place without their support, alongside the category sponsors.

So, if you know of an exceptional individual or team working in education who demonstrates incredible passion and ambition, be sure to nominate them and they could be collecting their award at the ceremony on October 12 at Barnham Broom Hotel. 

Nominations for the Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards can be made at 
www.norfolkeduawards.co.uk and the deadline is Sunday, June 11. 

The awards will cover all areas of education, including the support offered to help students get the most out of their learning journey (Image: Getty Images)

Early Years School of the Year 

This award recognises the most outstanding early years establishment, whether nursery or pre-school.  

The judges are looking for the school that can demonstrate its enthusiastic commitment to the learning, physical and emotional development of children in the three to five years old category. 

These schools will also make a difference in their wider community, have innovative and inspiring ideas and support the mental health of children and peers. 

Primary School of the Year 

Sponsored by Norse Catering 

This award will celebrate an exceptional primary school working with children from reception to Year 6.  

The judges will look for evidence of the school’s inclusivity, commitment to learning, emotional and physical development as well as its work within the local community.  

This award will also look at the ways in which the future of the children and their work beyond the classroom is considered.

Secondary School of the Year 

This award will go to an exceptional secondary school working with children from Year 7 to Year 11.  

The judges will look for evidence of a school’s commitment to learning, inclusivity, emotional and physical development, as well as its work within the local community.

They will also look at the ways in which the future of the children is considered, and their work beyond the classroom.

Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year 

This award is for the institution that combines academic excellence and a widening participation programme that draws a diverse intake.  

Judges will look for evidence of this institution’s commitment to learning, personal and professional development, focus on career and future opportunities and the students’ mental health and wellbeing. 

Student of the Year 

Open to students of all ages, this award will recognise an exceptional student who excels in the classroom and beyond.  

The student will exemplify the values of their school or university, while demonstrating the positive impact their studies and learning application have on their professional development and their commitment to the wider community, including their peers. 

Apprentice of the Year 

Sponsored by Apprenticeships Norfolk

This award acknowledges the outstanding achievements of an apprentice who has embraced learning in the workplace and used this to boost their career, organisation and the wider community. 

It is open to current apprentices or those completing their apprenticeship in the last 12 months. 

Teaching Assistant or Support Staff of the Year 

Sponsored by Vattenfall 

This award is given to an assistant who gives outstanding support both inside and outside the classroom.  

Judges will look for evidence of their contribution in supporting children and colleagues and their assistance in pupils’ learning and social development, recognising best practises and their work in the wider school.  

This award is open to all non-teaching staff who work within an educational establishment. 

Teacher of the Year 

Sponsored by Teach 

This award is for the amazing teachers and educators who bring engaging and inspiring learning to their students and help fulfil their potential through their tireless efforts.  

The judges will look for the teachers who demonstrate their passion, enthusiasm, dedication and energy towards creating happy and successful learning environments while nurturing the physical and emotion wellbeing of their students.  

This award is open to all educators from early years to higher education. 

Outstanding Support for Students 

Sponsored by Norfolk Teacher Training Centre 

This award recognises an educational establishment that is excelling in the support of its students. The winner will exemplify a programme and system that allows a student to develop, with all branches of support offered.  

Judges will look at the inclusivity, SEND, STEM, physical, mental health, diversity and educational support offered by the institution. 

Outstanding Commitment to STEM 

This award will honour the institution that has developed and supports a range of exceptional science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, or has built STEM projects that promote the importance of STEM.  

The judges will look for evidence that the school has implemented either an overarching approach to STEM or individual projects that develop learning in STEM. 

Outstanding Commitment to Sport 

Sponsored by Centre of Excellence for Sport, Outdoor Leadership and Uniformed Services at Easton College 

This award will go to a school or institution that is providing outstanding sports programmes and opportunities.  

The judges will look for the schools that demonstrate a commitment to developing sporting skills that help students be active on a regular basis, but also do so through the provision of extra-curricular activities, partnerships and coaching.  

The judges will also look at the impact these sporting and physical activities have on not only the individual but the school and wider community. 

Outstanding Commitment to SEND 

This award will be given to the school or institution that is leading the way in special educational needs and disabilities provision.  

The judges will look at the opportunities and support systems offered to students with SEND, looking at the coordination, policies, individual needs and effective practices provided.  

This award is open to all educational institutions. 

Overall Education Hero of the Year 

Sponsored by Step Teachers 

The Overall Education Hero of the Year will be handpicked by the judges. This is a non-entry category, and all the winners will be automatically entered.  

The winner will exemplify an outstanding commitment to learning, students and teachers as well as the wider community – showcasing the dedication, innovation and passion shown throughout the sector.