This award recognises individuals who are simply outstanding at what they do and continuously shine.  This may be a person at the start of their career making great strides in their role, someone in a more senior role leading the way in excellence, or even someone who has gone above and beyond their normal role to achieve something truly outstanding and inspirational. 

What judges are looking for: 
Judges are seeking individuals who consistently demonstrate excellence, commitment, and initiative in their roles. Nominations should showcase individuals who: 

• Consistently exceed expectations in their day-to-day responsibilities 

• Show exceptional dedication to students, colleagues, or the wider school community 

• Demonstrate leadership, innovation, or creativity that drives positive change 

• Go out of their way to support others, often without seeking recognition 

• Embody the values and ethos of the school and Trust. 

Impact: 
Entries should describe the individual’s influence on their environment—whether on students, colleagues, school culture or outcomes. Judges are looking for  inspiration to others, and how the nominee has elevated their role beyond what is expected. 

This award celebrates an outstanding project, success, or achievement by an individual member of staff or a group of staff during the 24-25 academic year. It is designed to honour a truly stand-out and inspirational project, initiative, or accomplishment that has created a lasting WOW factor and made an exceptional impact on the school/ Trust and its community. 

What judges are looking for: 

Entries should highlight an extraordinary achievement or initiative that demonstrates innovation, and inspiration and has measurable success: 

• The judging panel is looking for something truly unique that stands out from the ordinary and sets the member of staff or project apart from others. 

The impact: 

Entries should provide clear evidence of the significant and transformative effect of the achievement or project, showcasing how it has inspired students, staff, and the community.  

This award celebrates exceptional teachers who go above and beyond to inspire and engage their students. Nominations can be made to highlight how the teacher brings learning to life, helping children unlock their potential through dedication, passion, and creativity. 

What judges are looking for: 

Entries should highlight the teacher’s ability to engage and motivate students, and demonstrate the difference they have made within the school community, including but not limited to: 

• Inspiring and motivating students to achieve their best, both academically and personally 

• Creating dynamic and engaging lessons that make learning exciting and accessible 

• Providing tireless support to students, helping them overcome challenges and reach their potential 

• Demonstrating exceptional dedication to student development 

• Using innovative teaching methods and approaches to engage all learners 

• Building strong, supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues 

• Going beyond the classroom to contribute to the wider school community 

The impact: 

Entries should detail the impact the teacher has had on their students’ academic achievements, personal growth, and overall wellbeing.

New teachers who bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the school and an openness to learn from those more experienced, to improve their skills. They inspire and engage children, enabling them to thrive in their academic, social, and emotional development. They ensure their pupils enjoy learning and achieve well. They’re an inspirational ECT  who has shown great promise and had a significant impact on the school and its pupils since joining the teaching team. 

What judges are looking for: 
Judges are looking for early-career teachers ( year one or two) who have made an impressive start to their teaching journey. Nominations should highlight how the teacher has: 

• Made a strong and positive first impression with students, staff, and parents 

• Demonstrated a natural ability to teach, inspire, and motivate pupils 

• Eagerly embraced professional development and feedback 

• Contributed positively to the school’s culture and wider community 

• Introduced fresh ideas and approaches to enhance learning and student engagement 

Impact: 
Entries should show how the teacher’s early contributions have had a measurable and meaningful impact on their students and the school community, both in terms of academic progress and overall wellbeing. Judges will look for signs that this teacher is on the path to a truly exceptional career. 

This award seeks nominations from for a member of the school educational support team who has made a significant contribution to school life. Whether working as a teaching assistant, attendance officer, pastoral support or another key pastoral role, this individual consistently goes the extra mile and is an inspiration to others. 

What judges are looking for: 

Entries should highlight the exceptional efforts of the support staff member and include a range of examples, including but not limited to: 

• Providing outstanding support to pupils, students, and teachers 

• Demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and a positive attitude in challenging situations 

• Building strong, supportive relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community 

• Contributing to the overall success and smooth running of the school or college 

• Being a source of inspiration, teamwork, and motivation to colleagues 

• Supporting extracurricular activities, events, or school initiatives that go beyond their usual role 

• Demonstrating a high level of professionalism, kindness, and empathy in all aspects of their work 

 The impact: 

Entries should detail how the nominee’s actions have had a lasting and positive effect on the school’s  success and culture. 

This award seeks nominations for a member of the school or Trust operational support team who has made a significant contribution to school life. Whether working as a receptionist, technician, site staff, personal assistant, administrator, finance or in another operational role, this individual consistently goes the extra mile and is an inspiration to others. 

What judges are looking for: 

Entries should highlight the exceptional efforts of the support staff member and include a range of examples, including but not limited to: 

• Providing outstanding support to pupils, students, and teachers 

• Demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and a positive attitude in challenging situations 

• Building strong, supportive relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community 

• Contributing to the overall success and smooth running of the school or Trust 

• Being a source of inspiration, teamwork, and motivation to colleagues 

• Supporting extracurricular activities, events, or school initiatives that go beyond their usual role 

• Demonstrating a high level of professionalism, kindness, and empathy in all aspects of their work 

 The impact: 

Entries should detail how the nominee’s actions have had a lasting and positive effect on the school or Trust’s success and culture.

An award for an individual who has who has dedicated their life to education and made a real difference throughout their career, inspiring and enriching education for others. They will have had a significant and positive impact on the people they have worked with over the course of their career, from pupils and colleagues to educational stakeholders and within their local community, and not only in their current schools and beyond, but throughout their lifetime career in education. Their commitment to, and passion for, education should be exemplary to all. 

What judges are looking for: 
Judges are looking for an individual whose entire career in education has been marked by passion, excellence, and a legacy. Nominations should detail: 

• A career spanning significant service in education 

• A consistent and profound impact on students, staff, and educational communities 

• Exemplary commitment to improving educational outcomes and supporting others 

• Leadership, mentorship, and the ability to inspire generations of learners and professionals 

• Contributions that extend beyond one institution, influencing broader educational practice or policy 

Impact: 
Entries should reflect the nominee’s long-term contribution to education, detailing the breadth and depth of their influence. Judges will be looking for evidence of how their work has shaped lives, improved schools, and left a legacy in the education sector. 

This award is to honour the memory of the late Lord Frank Field. The award recognises individual staff or a group of staff that have formed exceptional partnerships within their local and wider communities. By fostering collaboration with local businesses, charities, organisations, and individuals, the project/s must benefit pupils, parents, and the wider community. 

What judges are looking for:

Entries should demonstrate how the individual has developed strong community partnerships that deliver meaningful benefits for all stakeholders, including but not limited to: 

• Establishing long-term partnerships with local businesses, charities, or community organisations 

• Collaborating on community-driven projects that create tangible benefits for the wider community 

• Involving pupils, parents, and staff in initiatives that promote community pride 

• Delivering projects that support disadvantaged or underrepresented groups in the community 

• Organising events or programmes that bring together diverse groups 

• Honouring individuals through memorials or commemorative projects 

The impact:

Entries should clearly highlight the outcomes of these partnerships, showing how they have positively influenced the school, students, parents, and the wider community. Judges will be looking for real, measurable results that demonstrate the power of collaboration.