NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2016 Essex Teaching Awards, with pupils encouraged to have their say in the Student Choice category.

The annual awards, which are in their third year, will take place at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford on Thursday 11 February 2016.

They provide the opportunity to celebrate excellence in education and recognise the county’s teachers and support staff.

The categories are:

· New Teacher
· Teaching Assistant
· Primary Teacher
· Secondary Teacher
· Special School Teacher
· Primary/Special School Headteacher
· Secondary Headteacher
· Governing Body
· School Team
· Lifetime Achievement
· Student Choice

Winners of the Essex Teaching Awards, run by Essex County Council, will automatically be put forward for the Pearson Teaching Awards.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “We have some fantastic teachers and support staff working at the county’s schools. These awards are a great way of acknowledging their hard work and commitment to giving young people in Essex the best possible education.

“If anyone knows someone they feel is a deserving recipient of an award, I would urge them to nominate them.”

Nominations close on Friday 13 November 2015.

For more information about the Essex Teaching Awards or to make a nomination, please visit www.essex.gov.uk/teachingawards