PUPILS, parents and school staff are encouraged to ensure their vote counts by making a nomination for the 2025 Essex Teaching Awards.

The awards – now in their 11th year – are run by Essex County Council and recognise the outstanding contribution made by teachers and school staff in the county’s schools.

There are several new categories this year. The awards will recognise individuals working in the Early Years sector including childminders, Further Education practitioners and support staff in settings.

The full list of categories includes:

Early years team of the year
Childminder/childminding team of the year
FE team of the year
Headteacher of the year in a primary or secondary school
Teacher of the year in a special school
Lifetime achievement
Making a difference – primary school of the year
Making a difference – secondary school of the year
School partnership
Inclusive practice
Outstanding new teacher of the year
Teacher of the year in a primary school
Teacher of the year in a secondary school or post-16
Teaching assistant of the year
Impact of digital innovation
Support staff (member of our school community)

We have three sponsors this year

Ellisons Solicitors
Lodge Coaches
Interim IT

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Everyone spends time in the formal education system and it’s the actions of individuals working in these settings that can influence some of the biggest decisions we’ll ever make.

“The Essex Teaching Awards give us the opportunity to ensure those individuals get the recognition they deserve, allowing us to not only identify and celebrate them, but also share best practice across the wider education sector.

“Over the past 11 awards, we have acknowledged outstanding teachers and headteachers, teaching assistants, governing bodies and school teams who work in Essex. I’m excited we now also have the opportunity to celebrate our staff across the whole spectrum of education in the county

“I would encourage everyone to think about the excellent contributions made by staff and nominate anyone you feel is deserving of an award.”

Nominations will close on Friday 25 April and the ceremony will take place in June.

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