THE University of Worcester is backing a prestigious award to celebrate the best headteacher in the county.

The winner will be crowned at the Worcester News Worcestershire Education Awards ceremony in the summer.

Students, relatives and colleagues are being encouraged to make their nominations before the deadline on Friday, April 7.

The University is proud to support the Headteacher of the Year award in the Worcester News' inaugural education awards.

Ann Jordan, head of the Institute of Education at the University of Worcester, said: "The University of Worcester is proud to be partnering with the Worcester News for Worcester’s first Education Awards.

"In addition we’re delighted to be sponsoring Headteacher of the Year because we recognise the pivotal role headteachers play in leading and shaping their school and the impact strong leadership has on raising outcomes for children and young people."

Ms Jordan said the University was founded just after the Second World War to educate teachers to 'win the peace through education'.

"Over these past 70 years we have educated tens of thousands of outstanding teachers who make a positive difference every school day to children's lives and opportunities," she said.

"We work with over 500 schools every year and are very happy to be working with the Worcester News to help give them the recognition they deserve.

"This is a great opportunity for schools to showcase the valuable work they do each and every day and to highlight the brilliant work some of the very best teachers in the county and the country as a whole."

She added that many of the University's trainees go on to work in Worcestershire schools and have sparkling careers.

"We wanted to celebrate the outstanding contribution that these leaders make to the education of young people in the region," Ms Jordan said.

The Worcester News has teamed up with the University of Worcester to organise the Worcester News Worcestershire Education Awards.