Education providers from across the sector will be celebrated at the first ever East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk Education Awards, and if you know of an outstanding school, staff member or organisation, there is still time to get your nomination in and let the county know about their achievements.
There are 11 diverse categories, acknowledging the hard work of everyone from nurseries to universities.
Nominations can be made by colleagues, students, parents, guardians, individuals and institutions themselves. It only takes a few minutes to complete the online nomination form, so be sure to visit the website and help your institution or individual of choice to be in with a chance of being named Suffolk’s best.
Here we learn more about the Secondary School of the Year and Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year categories and find out what the judges will be looking for from establishments that work to help students take their first steps into the wider world of work and adulthood.
Secondary School of the Year
The Secondary School of the Year award aims to celebrate an exceptional secondary school working with children from Year 7 to Year 11.
Nominated schools should be able to demonstrate their commitment to learning development at Key Stage 3 and GCSE level, as well as their inclusivity strategy and their focus on the emotional, physical and social development of all students.
The judges will also be assessing how schools enrich the futures and career development of the children and their work beyond the classroom in the local community and beyond.
Another consideration will be the provision of extra-curricular activities within the school, including clubs, sports teams and enrichment projects.
Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year
The winner of the Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year award will be an institution – be that a college, sixth form, university or other type of provider – that combines academic excellence and an outstanding widening participation programme that attracts a diverse intake.
The judges will be looking for evidence of entrants’ commitment to learning, their focus on developing career and future opportunities, and their strategies surrounding students’ personal and professional development, including the guidance offered to help students find and apply for opportunities.
In addition, entrants should demonstrate evidence of continued support for student’s mental health and wellbeing.
To enter or make a nomination for either the Secondary School of the Year category or the Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year category, or to find out about the other categories, please visit suffolkeduawards.co.uk
The deadline for entries is Sunday, August 6, and all of the finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 9 at Venue 16 in Ipswich.
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