Portsmouth's classroom heroes shortlisted in education awards
From superstar support staff to top teaching talent, classroom heroes in schools and colleges across the city have been shortlisted in 11 award categories as part of the Teach Portsmouth Awards.
The event will return to Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 29 June, as over 200 education professionals gather to celebrate the achievements of fellow colleagues. The awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond for children and young people in early years, primary, secondary, and post-16 settings.
In April, a group of education professionals met to review the supporting statements from nominators to decide on a shortlist and overall winner for each category. This latest announcement marks another important milestone before the winners are announced at the awards ceremony.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"The Teach Portsmouth Awards is one of my favourite events of the year as it gives us a chance to celebrate the incredible efforts of teachers, support teams and head teachers across the city.
"The last couple of years have been tough in education. The cost of living continues to impact families the most with schools and colleges stepping up to support them in unique ways.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education
"Everyone in education has played a key role in helping our community and deserve recognition for their work. I would like to thank every single person for their efforts to support those who need it most."
This year, the awards recognise even more superstars in two new categories: the early years and childcare award and governor's award.
Catherine Holloway, who is a manager at Manor Infant School and Nursery has been shortlisted in the early years and childcare award category. She has worked at the setting for several years. Parents/carers highlighted the support she has given their children in that time.
In the supporting statement, it was noted that when the heating broke, Catherine relocated the children to a smaller room in the school, ensuring each child had at least one nursery session a week. Catherine reflected on being shortlisted for an award:
"When I found out I was put forward for an award, I was shocked. No one has ever done that for me before - it was such a lovely gesture.
Catherine Holloway
"To then find out I've been shortlisted is incredible. It's really nice being recognised. I love my job - it is challenging but super rewarding."
"It's an amazing feeling being recognised for what you do.
Phil Harris-Bridge
"If you have the time to volunteer, becoming a governor is so worthwhile. You can use your own life experiences to help schools and their students."
"It's fantastic to see another milestone reached as we near the Teach Portsmouth Awards ceremony. While individuals have been recognised as part of a shortlist, it is important to remember that everyone who was put forward for a nomination also deserves recognition for their work.
"The Teach Portsmouth Awards is one way we recognise school and college staff, encouraging the best teachers and education professionals to stay local. This ensures children and young people receive the best education possible from trained and qualified experts."
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children, families and education
View the shortlist
If you know someone who was put forward for an award, you can now view the shortlist. Visit the Teach Portsmouth Awards page to learn more about Portsmouth's classroom heroes.
Callum Murphy