SEVERAL schools have already been nominated in our search for the heroes of education in Salisbury and south Wiltshire.

Among the entries received so far are candidates from Winterslow Primary School, Chafyn Grove, Woodlands Primary School, St Joseph's, Exeter House, St Michael's CD Primary School, St Nicholas C of E Primary, South Wilts Grammar School and Sarum Academy.

The Salisbury Journal Education Awards is now one of the highlights of the year across the region for all those who play a part in lifetime learning.

It is a chance to recognise 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.

There is still time to get your teacher the recognition they deserve, and the Journal is seeking our readers’ nominations across a whole range of categories:

Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year: They play such an important part in helping youngsters get into the learning habit and tap into the imaginations of the young ones in a way that opens their horizons.

Secondary Teacher of the Year: When the baton is passed to the secondary schools a moment has arrived when pupils learn to be serious students – especially if their hope is to progress on into university or some higher form of education.

We are looking for the teacher who has gone the extra mile to help a pupil or pupils to take another step closer to their dream.

College Teacher of the Year: As our students move on towards employment, it takes a special type of tutor to ensure they can prepare for the most important examinations of their career.

Newcomer of the Year: Sometimes a new teacher or assistant can have a marked effect on an organisation which lifts the spirits and/or performance of those around them. This award is for just that person.

Supporting Staff Member: Supporting staff members are on occasions the unsung heroes of the classroom. By giving that extra help they ensure that the day’s tasks are completed, and individual excel.

Leadership Award: Any good educational establishment needs someone at the top who leads the way. It can sometimes be a lonely place to be, but and and success is often determined by the skills and the direction of the principal or head teacher.

Voluntary Contribution Award: So many schools and colleges are made that much better by the voluntary contributions of parents, neighbours or other interested people. Their assistance, freely given, often mean a valuable resource can be pointed in other directions. Whether it is in fundraising, admin support or general upkeep, it is a contribution well worth marking.

Community Involvement Award: The input from a community group can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of a school or college. Its integration with those who recognise its asset is again a prize worth shouting about.

Innovation Award: Schools and colleges are not only seats of learning, they are places where creativity is in abundance. We want to hear about where creativity has been put to use for the benefit of the school/college.

School Improvement Award: Schools can sometimes fall behind the benchmarks that are set, but the achievements that are made in returning to the standard is something well worth shouting about.

Science and Technology Award: Science and Technology remains a crucial part of the school curriculum. We are looking for a teacher who has been about to inspire youngsters in this field.

Business in Schools Award: The inspiration of young people in the field of business could never be more important. We are looking for where this has been achieved with examples of strategy and outcome.

Special Educational Needs Staff Award: For those requiring special educational needs the skill of the teacher can sometimes be so much more acute.

Bill Browne, Publisher of the Journal, said: “Anyone involved in our schools and colleges can nominate, whether they are parent, pupil, teacher or leader.

“We just want to hear about all the good things that are going on.

“This is the third year of the awards and we hope that by highlighting all that’s good in this important part of our society we can encourage others to follow.

“The candidates from previous years have been nominated were from across the region and, once again, we are anticipating some incredible stories.

“Our thanks go to our sponsors, including Principal Sponsor – Aspire Defence who have been with us since the launch.

“All those who have put their name to these awards truly believe in education and they will add to the voice of encouragement that’s so important in this vital profession.”

This year’s awards event takes place at the Milford Hall Hotel, on July 6th and nominations can be made up until May 25.