THE quest to find the heroes of education for another year is now well underway.

Nominations for the Basingstoke Gazette Education Awards 2019 are still being received and welcomed.

The Basingstoke Gazette Education Awards was set up last year to recognise those who play a part in learning across the borough.

It is a chance to honour some of the tremendous work that goes on in our schools and colleges at all levels, from those who volunteer their services right up to those who provide great leadership.

In 2018, we had a huge reaction from the education sector and the community as a whole with heart-warming tales of nominees going above and beyond, culminating in a gala evening where the awards were presented.

This year’s awards event takes place at The Apollo Hotel on July 4 and nominations can be made up until May 23.

The 12 categories for this year include: Nursery/ Primary School Teacher of the Year, Secondary School Teacher of the Year, Trainer / College Teacher of the Year, Teaching Assistant/ Support Staff Award, Leadership Award, Voluntary Contribution Award, Community Involvement Award, Innovation Award, Special Educational Needs Staff Award, Science and Technology Award, Apprentice of the Year, and the Business in Schools award.

Bill Browne, publisher of The Gazette, said: “We launched these awards in the hope that they can be used to highlight all that is good in this important part of our society.

“We had a tremendous response with a wealth of nominations coming through full of inspiring stories from the education community in Basingstoke and Deane.

“We are proud to be able to run the awards for a second year and we are now inviting nominations.

“Anyone involved in our schools and colleges can nominate, whether they are parent, pupil, teacher or leader.

“We just want to hear about all of the good things that are going on in education in Basingstoke and Deane.”

Previous winner of the College Teacher of the Year Award Karon Chewter, from Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) said: “I was overjoyed to hear that I had won the award last year.

“It was lovely to be presented with the award in the principal’s office.

“It feels more meaningful that the nomination came from one of my students, and I was really honoured to have been given the award.”

Karon added: “I would definitely recommend putting someone forward for one of the awards.”

To nominate, go to form.jotformeu.com/80294391678367.