THE time has come once again for people to nominate the inspirational individuals and schools who go the extra mile for the annual Telegraph & Argus Schools Awards.

The awards have become one of the biggest highlights of the year in education since they were introduced in 2014 as a way of recognising the great work being done in Bradford’s schools - work that often goes unappreciated or overlooked.

Since the first awards night four years ago, dozens of teachers, support staff, governors, leaders and schools have been honoured for their work to raise educational standards in the Bradford district, and make it a better place.

Nominations for the 2019 awards are now open, and the ceremony will be held at the Aagrah Midpoint in Thornbury on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford & District Schools Awards 2019 logo

NOMINATE NOW: Online form

In a change to previous years, the number of categories has been reduced from 12 to ten, but still span across all aspects of school life, from teaching to governors to how well the star students who go above and beyond for their classmates.

The awards are organised by the Telegraph & Argus in partnership with Bradford Council, with award sponsors this year including The Broadway.

Nominees could include teachers who have helped children reach their potential, a school project that has created a buzz for young people, or a volunteer who gives up their valuable time to help their school be the best it can be.

The first of the new awards for 2019 is the Star Student Under 16, which celebrates the students who go above and beyond what is expected of them at school, forming and leading clubs to benefit their peers, and taking leading action to tackle important issues in the school and local community.

The second new category is Star Student Over 16 which recognises students at sixth-form, college or in further training who go the extra mile to support fellow students, improve school life, and take a leading role in extra-curricular activities.

The final new prize is the Teaching Assistant of the Year award, which honours those who are often the unsung heroes of education, providing teachers with vital support to aid the learning of their pupils to help children reach and expand their potential and make the classroom a happier place to be.

Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year celebrates outstanding achievement or dedication of individual nursery/primary phase teachers who inspire and engage pupils and make an exceptional contribution to the life of their school or nursery.

Secondary Teacher of the Year celebrates outstanding achievement or dedication of individual secondary phase teachers. We are looking for teachers who inspire and engage pupils and make an exceptional contribution to their school.

Newcomer of the Year marks the achievements of those new into the profession, for example a newly qualified teacher. Entrants should have been in either primary or secondary education for no longer than two years.

Supporting Staff Member of the Year includes caretakers, support assistants, school crossing patrols and other non-teaching staff. It is aimed at those who always give exceptional service and make a real difference through their work.

The Leadership Award recognises outstanding achievements of a headteacher or senior leadership team member or governor who has made an exceptional contribution to education.

Community Involvement Award celebrates the dedication of schools, pupils or teachers that have developed initiatives that forge strong links with their community.

Governor Award recognises a new idea which has had a significant positive impact on children or an educational establishment that has demonstrated a commitment to providing new opportunities for students.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, December 17, and you can nominate now using our online form.