Wrexham and Flintshire schools, staff and pupils in the spotlight

Over the past few years, the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in many events having to be postponed or cancelled but we believe that now - more than ever - we continue to celebrate everything that's great in the region.

And that means highlighting the brilliant work carried out by our dedicated teachers and everyone involved in education in Wrexham and Flintshire, as well as shining a spotlight on innovation and best practice across the area.

Our schools' awards will also aim to recognise the outstanding achievements of pupils and students, including those who may have overcome the odds or battled adversity over the last 12 months to succeed in their studies or extracurricular activities.

The awards ceremony will be on March 22, 2023 at Soughton Hall, near Mold, hosted by ITV Wales presenter Andrea Byrne.

Awards host, Andrea Byrne. Photo: Huw John

Andrea said: "We want to celebrate all those who have risen to the challenge over the past 12 months, who have overcome adversity, shown strength, have been innovative so they can continue to encourage and mentor their pupils to help them achieve their full academic and social potential as well as developing parent engagement and support fellow members of staff.

"We want to share their stories and create a permanent record of all those incredible achievements, showcasing their educational establishments."

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Susan Perry, Regional Editor, North Wales, added: "We are thrilled to be holding our very first education awards.

"There are so many amazing things being achieved by our schools and education establishments, and we want our awards to recognise their fantastic work and give them the recognition they more than deserve.

"Please make sure your school does not miss out, get involved, check out our award categories and get nominating!"

Lee Taylor Craddock, sales director, said: "It is fantastic to be planning the 2023 awards to be a real celebration and to recognise the great teachers, governors, and pupils we have in the region and how they have pivoted from home schooling back to being in the classroom and keeping schools open and ensuring our pupils excel.

"2020 and 2021 will live long in the memory for those in education and the pupils who have had to ensure the hybrid learning approach over the past two years. In the spring of 2023, we will toast the best in the region.

"So please see the nomination criteria and get voting, your nomination is what makes these awards special, and our sponsors and judges are looking forward to reading all the great stories from across the region. Good luck to all those who get nominated."

• If you are a business that would like to sponsor one of the awards, contact Mark Fry 07557 170372 or email mark.fry@localiq.co.uk

Sponsors of the 2023 Leader Education Awards.

The 13 Education Awards categories:

Lifetime Achievement Award: This award is for a member of the school community who has shown a commitment to the sector over many years. It could be for a leader, teacher or member of support staff. Evidence must be provided of how the lives of pupils have been affected by their work. Sponsored by Excell Supply.

Secondary School of the Year: This will be awarded to the secondary school who, in the opinion of the judges, has had an outstanding academic year. This may be improvements in attendance levels, parent engagement or examination results. You may have made or built upon partnerships in the local or business community, achieved new green credentials, or achieved competition success. Sponsored by Wockhardt Pharmaceuticals.

Secondary School Pupil of the Year: This will go to a young person who has achieved something beyond expectations in education, within challenging times over the last 12 months. This will not necessarily be about the highest academic achiever - it could be about the way an individual has developed themselves personally, through sheer determination to do better. Sponsored by JCB.

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Does this teacher inspire and engage pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential? This award will recognise a secondary teacher who inspires and engages students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to the life of their school. Sponsored by Educate Group.

Headteacher of the Year: Does this head teacher provide outstanding leadership with a clear and compelling vision for success? This award will go to an inspirational head teacher who has shown exceptional leadership, management, teaching skills and commitment to their school or college. Sponsored by New Directions.

Primary School Pupil of the Year: This pupils will have applied themselves to every task and sets a good example to other pupils, have a fun-loving personality and is able to get along with teachers whilst being respectful. Has a sense of responsibility and can be trusted. Plays an active role in all areas of school life and is always willing to lend a hand.

Primary Teacher of the Year: Does this teacher inspire and engage pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential? This award will recognise a teacher who inspires and engages students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to the life of their school. Sponsored by Educate Group.

Primary School of the Year: This will be awarded to the primary school who in the opinion of the judges has had an outstanding academic year. This may be improvements in attendance levels, parent engagement or examination results. You may have made or built upon partnerships in the local or business community, achieved new green credentials, or achieved competition success.

Teaching Assistant of the Year: Does this teaching assistant raise the aspirations of pupils and help them to reach new heights? An award for a teaching assistant, who always give exceptional service and make a real difference to their pupils learning through their work. Sponsored by New Directions.

Support Worker of the Year: This award recognises an individual within the school setting for their outstanding contribution in supporting pupils, students, teachers and the life of the school. We are looking for a stand out star of a school who consistently goes above and beyond and is an inspiration to others. Sponsored by Wrexham Glyndwr University.

Early Years Education Award: This award will go to an innovative and successful child-minding provider, nursery, pre-school or organisation which stands out from the rest for their early years support or provision. They should be able to clearly demonstrate the impact their work has had on their users or the children in their care.

New Teacher of the Year: Does this new teacher inspire and engage pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential? This category celebrates the achievements of those who are new into the profession, for example a newly qualified teacher. Entrants should have been in education for no more than three years.

School Collaboration Award: This award aims to recognise those who go above and beyond in bringing schools together in a bid to aid collaboration with their locality. Criteria should be judged from a proposal submitted by the nominee demonstrating bringing school leaders together for benefit of all. It should reflect the impact of the collaboration and the difference it has made on school finances or teaching and learning outcomes.

• Nominations close on January 22, 2023. To nominate use the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/3VBbPxj

QR code for education awards