It's time to recognise Norfolk's education superheroes at 2024 awards

The Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards 2024 are open for entries. Editor Richard Porritt tells us more about the awards and why it’s so important to recognise our county’s educators.

We are pleased to recognise the achievements of our county’s education sector at the second Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards, sponsored by Step Teachers.

These awards recognise the high-quality standards within the education sector, showcasing the dedication, innovation and engagement that is seen throughout the sector in Norfolk.

Nominations can be given from anyone – colleagues, peers, students, parents and guardians, as well as the schools/institutions and individuals themselves.

Richard Porritt on stage at the Norfolk Education Awards 2023 (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)
If you know of an exceptional individual or outstanding team working in education who demonstrates incredible passion, ambition and innovation, now is the time to recognise them!

The awards also offer the chance to shine a spotlight on students and apprentices.

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

Be sure to get your nominations in by midnight on Sunday, July 28. The finalists will be announced on Friday, September 27 and the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 17.

For more information and to make your nominations, visit norfolkeduawards.co.uk

Early Years School of the Year

This award recognises the most outstanding Early Years establishment, whether nursery or pre-school. We are looking for a school that can demonstrate its enthusiastic commitment to the learning, physical and emotional development of children in the 3-5 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 Group

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

We will look for evidence on this school’s inclusivity, commitment to learning, emotional and physical development as well as the work within the local community.

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

Secondary School of the Year

This award will celebrate an exceptional secondary school working with children from year 7 to year 11.

We will look for evidence on this school’s inclusivity, commitment to learning, emotional and physical development as well as the work within the local community.

This award 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 an outstanding widening participation programme that draws a diverse intake.

We will look for evidence of the 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

Sponsored by RWE

This award will recognise an exceptional student who excels in the classroom and beyond.

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

It is open to students of all ages.

Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Apprenticeships Norfolk

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

It is open to current apprentices or those that have completed/achieved their apprenticeship within the last 12 months.

Teaching Assistant or Support Staff of the Year

This award will go to an individual who provides outstanding support inside and outside the classroom.

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

It is open to all non-teaching staff.

Teacher of the Year

Sponsored by Norfolk Teacher Training Centre

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.

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

It is open to all teachers and educators.

Outstanding Support for Students

This award recognises an educational establishment that is excelling in the support of its students.

It will exemplify a programme and system that allows students to develop with all branches of support offered.

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

Outstanding Commitment to SEND

This award will be presented to the school or institution that is leading the way in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)provision.

We will look at the opportunities and support systems offered to students, with a focus on coordination, policies, individual needs and effective practises.

It is open to all educational institutions.

Overall Education Hero of the Year

Sponsored by Step Teachers

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

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.