A 25-YEAR-old, only just starting out in the profession, has been nominated for a Worcestershire Education Award.

Andrew Oates, a member of staff at St Joseph's Catholic Church, has been nominated for our Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr Oates was nominated for the award by Donna Hines who wrote: "Mr Oates was an amazing teacher for my son.

"He made my son feel secure and comfortable in class, Mr Oates was really nurturing and supportive.

"Mr Oates really works hard to understand each child and did the most personal school report I've read.

"Mr Oates is very approachable about any issues your child is having."

After hearing about being nominated he told us: "It is lovely to hear that, I'm pleased to get the nomination."

Mr Oates explained he worked with West Brom ladies football team before getting into education after providing after school football for the pupils at the Chedworth Drive-based school.

"I have done my training here, before I got this job - the school has been a massive part of my journey," he said.

"I teach children from six up to 11-years-old.

"It is very rewarding. It has been a tough time to start out, it was very sad to see children at home (in lockdown), this year has been a more normal year.

"When parents make comments at the end of the day thanking us, it makes it all worth it."

The awards, run by our Worcestershire titles including the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, aim to shine a light on those in education who have worked tirelessly to support, teach and care for our young people through what has been an incredibly difficult time.

There are 12 categories in our Worcestershire Education Awards 2022.

They are:

Lockdown Hero award

Headteacher of the Year

Teacher / Lecturer of the Year

New Teacher of the Year

Support Staff of the Year

Early Years Education/Primary School of the Year

Middle/Secondary School of the Year

Independent School of the Year

Special Educational Needs Award

College or Post-18 Education & Training Provider of the Year Award

Star Student (under 16) of the Year

Star Student (over 16) of the Year

Voting closes on Friday, December 17, and our panel of judges will choose the finalists, who will be featured in our titles.

The winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony in early 2022.

To make a nomination click here