Richard Porritt, editor of the Eastern Daily Press, congratulates the winners and finalists of the Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards 2024.

It gave me great pleasure to celebrate the extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion found across our education sector at the Norfolk Education Awards last night.

Firstly, I’d like to extend my congratulations to all of our winners and finalists! Hearing your stories has been nothing short of inspirational.

The awards were launched to shine a spotlight on the hard work and commitment shown by educators, students and support staff in our region.

The awards were an opportunity for the county's educators to come together and celebrateThe awards were an opportunity for the county's educators to come together and celebrate (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) Despite the challenges of recent years, Norfolk’s schools and educational institutions have continued to put the wellbeing and success of our young people at the heart of everything they do, and we are proud to offer this platform to highlight their hard work.

The task of choosing winners for our nine varied categories – covering every aspect of the sector from primary to further education and vital student support – was no easy one, and each winner represents the best of what Norfolk’s education sector has to offer. 

The awards recognised individuals and organisations across a wide range of categoriesThe awards recognised individuals and organisations across a wide range of categories (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) The awards evening, held at The Forum in Norwich on Tuesday, October 1, was a wonderful occasion filled with celebration, and I would like to thank our headline sponsor, StepTeachers, and all of our category sponsors – without them, these awards simply wouldn’t be possible. 

Kim Shellock, regional manager for StepTeachers, perfectly captured the spirit of the evening when she said: “It was an honour to celebrate alongside the exceptional finalists and winners. We are proud to sponsor these awards and to recognise the remarkable achievements of Norfolk’s educators and students.” 

You can find out more about the amazing group of winners and finalists for 2024 in a special supplement in the EDP on Friday, October 4. 

For more details on the Norfolk Education Awards, please visit norfolkeduawards.co.uk

Fen Rivers Academy won the Outstanding Commitment to SEND and Overall Education Hero of the Year awardsFen Rivers Academy won the Outstanding Commitment to SEND and Overall Education Hero of the Year awards (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) THE WINNERS

Overall Education Hero of the Year

Sponsored by Step Teachers

Winner: Fen Rivers Academy

Early Years School of the Year

Winner: West Earlham Infant School

Primary/Infant School of the Year

Sponsored by Norse

Winner: Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy 

Hethersett Academy won Secondary School of the YearHethersett Academy won Secondary School of the Year (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) Secondary School of the Year

Winner: Hethersett Academy

Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Apprenticeships Norfolk

Winner: Hayden Ling of Armultra Ltd

Norfolk County Council - Adult Learning won Further or Higher Education Provider of the YearNorfolk County Council - Adult Learning won Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year

Winner: Norfolk County Council – Adult Learning

Outstanding Support for Students

Winner: East Norfolk Sixth Form College

Maisie Cupit of Southery Academy won Teacher of the YearMaisie Cupit of Southery Academy won Teacher of the Year (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) Teacher of the Year

Sponsored by Norfolk Teacher Training Centre

Winner: Maisie Cupit of Southery Academy

Outstanding Commitment to SEND

Sponsored by RWE

Winner: Fen Rivers Academy