Bolton News Education Awards 2023 - how to enter your school

We believe it’s essential to celebrate everything fantastic about schooling in Bolton.

Now more than ever we need to highlight the brilliant work carried out by the borough’s dedicated teachers and everyone involved in education in the area, as well as shining a spotlight on innovation and best practice.

The Bolton News Education Awards 2023 aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of pupils and students, including those who may have overcome the odds or battled adversity during the last 12 months to succeed in their studies or extracurricular activities.

Children and teachers, support staff and students, headteachers and lecturers will be honoured in a special winners’ supplement in The Bolton News on Thursday, November 23 as well as being featured in articles on our website.

Entries for the awards, of which Bolton Council is the headline sponsor, are now open. Please email the editor Richard Duggan (richard.duggan@newsquest.co.uk) for an application form or if you have any enquiries.

All schools are welcome to enter as long as they are based in the borough. Entries are invited from teachers, parents, governors, pupils, and anyone with knowledge of a particular school or education establishment. Individuals or institutions can enter more than one category, but this should be made clear when submitting entries. The deadline for entering the awards is Friday, October 27.

Without the support of the sponsors these awards would not be possible. If you would like to be a sponsor of these awards, please contact Mark Fry on 07557 170372.

There are ten awards up for grabs this year:

Pupil of the Year sponsored by Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe

The Pupil of the Year award will go to a person who has achieved something beyond expectations in education, within challenging times over the last 12 months. This will not necessarily be about the highest academic achiever - it could be about the way an individual has developed themselves personally through sheer determination to do better. Also, will have applied themselves to every task and sets a good example to other pupils. Has a fun-loving personality and is able to get along with teachers whilst being respectful. Has a sense of responsibility and can be trusted. Plays an active role in all areas of school life and is always willing to lend a hand.

New Teacher of the Year sponsored by University of Bolton

Does this new teacher inspire and engage pupils to help them achieve their full academic and social potential? This category celebrates the achievements of those who are new into the profession, for example a newly qualified teacher. Entrants should have been in education for no more than 3 years.

Teaching Assistant of the Year (available to sponsor)

Does this Teaching Assistant raise the aspirations of pupils and help them to reach new heights. An award for a teaching assistant, who always give exceptional service and make a real difference to their pupils learning through their work.

Early Years Education Awards (available to sponsor)

This award will go to an innovative and successful child-minding provider, nursery, pre-school, or organisation which stands out from the rest for their early years support or provision. They should be able to clearly demonstrate the impact their work has had on their users or the children in their care.

Teacher of the Year (available to sponsor)

Does this teacher inspire and engage pupils to help them achieve their full academic and social potential? This award will recognise a teacher who inspires and engages students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to the life of their school.

School of the Year sponsored by Bolton Council

This will be awarded to the school who in the opinion of the judges has had an outstanding academic year. This may be improvements in attendance levels, parent engagement or examination results. You may have made or built upon partnerships in the local or business community, achieved new green credentials, or achieved competition success.

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Bolton Council

This award is for a member of the school community who has shown a commitment to the sector over many years. It could be for a leader, teacher or member of support staff. Evidence must be provided of how the lives of pupils have been affected by their work.

Specialist Provision School of the Year (available to sponsor)

Has your specialist provision school (schools for pupils with SEND or emotional and behavioural difficulties, alternative provisions, and pupil referral units) had a stand-out academic year in the last 12 months? We’d like to hear about your successes and innovations – from improvements in attendance levels, staff retention, parental engagement, or student success, to new ways you’ve supported students in their learning or helped them engage with the local community or businesses. Or perhaps you’ve achieved something different entirely?

Support worker of the year (available to sponsor)

This award recognises an individual within the school setting for their outstanding contribution in supporting pupils, students, teachers, and the life of the school. We are looking for a stand out star of a school who consistently goes above and beyond and is an inspiration to others.

Head Teacher of the Year (available to sponsor)

Does this head teacher provide outstanding leadership with a clear and compelling vision for success? This award will go to an inspirational head teacher who has shown exceptional leadership, management, teaching skills and commitment to their school or college.