ORGANISATIONS have been lining up to throw their support behind the Worcester News Worcestershire Education Awards.

We have teamed up with the University of Worcester to offer the awards which celebrate the talent we know exists in our schools, nurseries and colleges as well as in the youth, sports and social clubs running for young people.

Now, a host of local organisations have agreed to sponsor the awards to show their backing for those in education who dedicate their lives to inspiring and encouraging youngsters.

Our main partner, the University of Worcester, will sponsor the ‘Headteacher of the Year’ award.

Also lending their support is Worcestershire County Council, which will sponsor two awards – ‘Fit for Life’ and ‘Teacher/Lecturer of the Year.’

Worcester Sixth Form College has agreed to sponsor ‘Primary School of the Year’ while law firm Thursfields Solicitors will sponsor the ‘Special Educational Needs’ award.

Education service provider Babcock Prime is sponsoring the 'Newcomer of the Year' award, building firm Kingspan Insulation will sponsor the ‘Community Involvement’ award while Worcestershire LEP, which supports economic growth in the county, will sponsor the ‘College or Post-18’ award.

Michael Kitcatt, principal at Worcester Sixth Form College, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the high quality of education in Worcestershire and to continue to demonstrate the College’s commitment to improving opportunities for the county’s young people through our support for these awards.

“It is crucial that children make a flying start to their education and we would like to recognise the excellence of local schools in this respect through sponsoring the Primary School of the year award.”

Our awards will be presented at a black-tie gala event this summer.

Anyone who helps young people can be nominated including teaching staff, support staff and football coaches, brown owls, scout leaders or youth club leaders.

And anyone who has contact with schools or community groups can nominate, whether that be parents, employers working with schools, governors or even pupils themselves.

Nominations are open until April 7.

For more information about making a nomination visit worcesternews.co.uk/educationawards/nominate