The Bolton News Education Awards 2024 - how to enter

The awards, of which Bolton Council are the headline sponsor, are a chance to celebrate the very best of schooling in Bolton.

We believe it’s essential to acknowledge everything fantastic about education locally and we need your help to do it by nominating incredible people.

The winners of this year's awards will be honoured in a special winners’ supplement in The Bolton News on Thursday, November 21, 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 queries. 

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 4.

There are 10 awards up for grabs this year:

Pupil of the Year - sponsored by Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe

This 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, they will have applied themselves to every task and set a good example to other pupils. They’ll have a fun-loving personality and can get along with teachers whilst being respectful, as well as having a sense of responsibility and can be trusted. They’ll play an active role in all areas of school life and are always willing to lend a hand.

Early Years Education Award (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 demonstrate the impact their work has had on their users or the children in their care.

Teaching Assistant of the Year (available to sponsor)

Does this teaching assistant raise the aspirations of pupils and help them to reach new heights? This is an award for a teaching assistant who always gives exceptional service and makes a real difference to their pupils' learning through their work.

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.

New Teacher of the Year (available to sponsor)

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 to the profession, for example, a newly qualified teacher. Entrants should have been in education for no more than three years.

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.

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.

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 - sponsored by Bolton Council

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?

Without the support of the sponsors, these awards would not be possible. If you would like to be a sponsor of these awards, please email emily.wood@localiq.co.uk.