THE winners of our prestigious education awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony last night.

Twelve of our 36 finalists took home awards including Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Fit for Life and Unsung Hero.

We teamed up with the University of Worcester to run the Worcester News Worcestershire Education Awards for the first time.

The awards celebrate the hard work being done by those in schools, nurseries and colleges as well in the wider community.

We received hundreds of nominations for people who had gone above and beyond in their work in the educational field.

A panel of judges selected the finalists, who were invited to a black-tie reception at the University of Worcester’s Severn Campus.

Motivational speaker Jamie Macdonald had the entire room up on their feet with his inspiring talk while Dave Bradley hosted the ceremony.

Peter John, Worcester News editor, said: “It has been a wonderful evening where we have heard about some of the very best in the educational field and how they have worked tirelessly to give opportunities to our children and young people.

“Congratulations to all our winners. They deserve these accolades.

“Indeed, congratulations also to the runners up and all those who were entered – it is testimony to the wonderful educational work going on in the county.

“It’s exactly what we wanted to highlight when we launched these awards and I’m very grateful for all the support we have received to make this evening possible.”

David Green, the university’s vice chancellor and chief executive, said the university was proud to partner with the Worcester News to celebrate so many wonderful educators.

He said: “It was a real honour to be able to give them the recognition they deserve.

“The University of Worcester was founded just after World War II with the mission to ‘win the peace through education’. Over these past 70 years we have educated tens of thousands of outstanding teachers, including some nominated in these awards, and we are very proud of each and every one.”

The winners were:

College of Post-18 Education and Training provider: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association

Community Involvement: Discover History

Early Years Education: Cornmeadow Early Years

Fit for Life: Jamie Boswell, St Joseph's Catholic Primary

Headteacher/Principal of the Year: Chris Allen, Bowbrook House School

Newcomer of the Year: Zoe Harris, Museum of Royal Worcester

Primary School of the Year: Hollymount School

Secondary School of the Year: Bowbrook House

Special Education Needs: Julia Wright, Hanley Castle High School

Support Staff of the Year: Laura Dean, Pershore High School

Teacher/Lecturer of the Year: Georgie Lott, Nunnery Wood High School

Unsung Hero: Dennis Simpson, Stourport High School and Sixth Form