DO you know a top teacher who goes the extra mile or a pupil who has overcome the odds to achieve great goals?

The Warrington Guardian is launching its first Schools Awards in a bid to recognise the exceptional efforts made in our education establishments across the town.

Parents, teachers, governors, support staff and head teachers from Warrington schools and colleges are invited to nominate those worthy of special recognition.

There are awards in 12 categories up for grabs and the winners, selected by a panel of judges, will be invited to a presentation evening at the Village Hotel on Wednesday, June 29.

Hayley Smith, editor of the Warrington Guardian, said: “We know from the success of our Inspiration Awards and our popular teacher of the month that there is a lot to celebrate in our town.

“So much so that we are launching our first Schools Awards to recognise the great work that goes on in our classrooms, behind the scenes, with the help of parent teacher associations and the wider community.

“We want readers to nominate those whose hard work, achievements, passion, time and dedication has been invaluable to the education and training of our children.”

Individuals or institutions can enter more than one category.

The final date for entries is Tuesday, May 31.

Send your nomination with any supporting evidence to Maureen Friday, Warrington Guardian Schools Awards 2016, The Academy, 138 Bridge Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 2RU or send via email with the subject line ‘Warrington Guardian Schools Awards’ to maureen.friday@nqnw.co.uk.

Please include who you are nominating, their address, email and contact telephone number plus the name of the nominator and their contact number.

You can also enter via our website by clicking here.

The winners will be presented with their awards at the ceremony.

All applications will be considered and the judges’ decision as final.

THE CATEGORIES ARE >

 1 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This prestigious award will go to someone who, in the view of the judges, has had a significant and positive impact on education in Warrington over a period of years.

 2 SCHOOL OF THE YEAR We want to reward an exceptional school/college which stands out from the rest.

Not only do we want to see academic achievement, we also want the entries to demonstrate innovation, imagination and efforts to develop children in ways that go beyond the league tables.

 3 HEAD TEACHER OF THE YEAR This award will go to an inspirational teacher who has shown exceptional leadership skills and commitment to their school or college.

 4 TEACHER OF THE YEAR The category recognises a teacher who inspires and engages students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to the life of their school or college.

 5 PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPIL

 6 SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPIL

 7 FURTHER EDUCATION STUDENT OF THE YEAR These awards will recognise students who can demonstrate a commitment to their own personal and professional development through learning. They should show that education has made a real difference to their life by improving their skills or qualifications, or they may have overcome particular obstacles to succeed.

 8 SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR An award for a member of support staff, or a team of support staff, who always give exceptional service. This could be anyone linked to the school in a supporting role, such as a teaching or midday assistant, caretaker or school crossing patrol assistant.

 9 INNOVATION AWARD This award will go to an organisation which can demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities to its students.

The winner will show they are not only raising standards but allowing students to fulfill their potential through exciting, innovative and creative projects.

 10 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR We are looking for an apprentice who has completed an apprenticeship within the past academic year (2014/15) or is currently working towards an apprenticeship.

Judges will be looking for apprentices who have made outstanding progress in both their practical work and in their studies, and who have made an exceptional contribution to their workplace.

 11 CLASS OF THE YEAR Are you a teacher with a class to be proud of?

We want to recognise a class of pupils who have worked together to achieve success, whether that is in their studies, fundraising, sport or arts performance or pastoral care.

 12 EARLY YEARS AWARD This award will go to an innovative and successful childminding provider, nursery, school or organisation which stands out from the rest for their early years support or provision.

They should be able to demonstate the impact their work has had on their nursery or the children in their care.