Schools may now have closed for Christmas but the holiday is an ideal time to nominate someone for an Education Awards.

The Worcestershire Education Awards - now in their fifth year - shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference in the field of education.

They seek to reward members of the teaching and education sector for their hard work both in the classroom and behind the scenes - from class teachers to dinner ladies, headteachers to teaching assistants and nursery staff to college lecturers.

We know from our previous awards how much of a difference, many teachers make to the lives of our young people.

Worcestershire Education Awards 2023 will run across all of our local titles and websites Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Kidderminster Shuttle and Redditch Advertiser.

There are 12 categories and the Worcestershire Education Awards 2023 are being run in conjunction with the University of Worcester.

The university is one of the country's leading providers of teacher training, with more than seven decades of experience in educating outstanding professionals to work in our schools.

Catriona Robinson, Head of the University's School of Education, said: "We are delighted to once again be the headline sponsor of the Worcestershire Education Awards, recognising the outstanding commitment of the headteachers, teachers, support staff and volunteers who work in our schools and colleges.

"At Worcester, we believe passionately in the ability of education to transform lives. We very much look forward to seeing the nominations this year and being part of this wonderful celebration."

Nominating someone is really easy and takes just a few minutes - just visit https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/worcestershireeducationawards/

As well as our headline sponsors the university, we are delighted to reveal the following local businesses and organisations have already pledged their support to this year's event - Marshall Toyota Stourbridge, ASH Family Law, Worcestershire Children's First, Dragon Star Security Ltd, Ormerod Rutter, Heart of Mercia multi-academy trust.

It's not too late for your business or organisation to be involved - contact sales event manager Debra Orr on 07739 820690 or email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk

This year the awards will culminate in a glitzy black tie event on the evening of Thursday, April 20, at the Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern.