THE SEARCH has once again begun to find the education heroes in Salisbury and south Wiltshire.

Seen as one of the highlights of the year across the region for all those who play a part in lifetime learning, the Salisbury Journal Education Awards are back once again in 2020.

It is a fantastic chance for pupils, who may not of had the chance due to the ongoing pandemic, to say thank you to their teachers after another busy year.

Now, the Journal is seeking nominations from our readers across a wide range of categories:

  • Leadership Award

Any good educational establishment needs someone at the top who leads the way. It can sometimes be a lonely place to be, but success is often determined by the skills and the direction of the principal or head teacher.

  • Secondary Teacher of the Year

When the baton is passed to the secondary schools, pupils learn to be serious students as they work towards their goal of progressing into university or some higher form of education.

We are looking for the teacher who has gone the extra mile to help a pupil or pupils take another step closer to this dream.

  • College Teacher of the Year

As our students move on towards employment, it takes a special type of tutor to ensure they can prepare for the most important examinations of their career.

  • Supporting Staff Member Award

These members of staff are, on occasions, the unsung heroes of the classroom. By giving that extra help they ensure that the day's tasks are completed, and individuals excel.

  • Community Involvement Award

The input from a community group can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of a school or college. Its integration with those who recognise its asset is again a prize worth shouting about.

  • Careers Award

The transition from education to a career is no easy one. Judges will be looking for someone who has gone the extra mile to assist students in achieving that next step towards their ultimate goal.

  • Innovation Award

Schools and colleges are not only seats of learning, they are places where creativity is in abundance. We want to hear about where that creativity has been put to use for the benefit of the school or college.

  • Business in Schools Award

The inspiration of young people in the field of business could never be more important. We are looking for examples of where this has been achieved with examples of strategy and outcome.

  • Special Educational Needs Staff Award

Meeting the many needs of children and young adults is what education is about, but for those requiring special educational needs the skill of the teacher can sometimes be so much more acute.

  • Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year Award

Nursery and primary schools play such an important part in helping youngsters get into the learning habit. And there are some marvellous teachers out there who can tap into the imaginations of the young ones in a way that opens their horizons.

Bill Browne, Salisbury Journal Publisher, said: “The Salisbury Journal Education Awards have never been more important. There will be many pupils and students leaving their school or college this year without having said thankyou and goodbye to the people who have helped guide them through their education.

“The awards are a way of showing that appreciation, whether it has been through leadership, teaching or special support. We promise to let every teacher nominated know that their name has been put forward. And some will, of course, be recognised as winners at a special gala event at the end of the year.”

Due to the current Covid-19 outbreak, neither the location nor date for this year’s ceremony have yet been confirmed.

To vote, click here.