ANY successful school requires a balanced blend of several key components.

One of the most important ingredients are the students.

In the simplest possible terms, the school is there because of the pupils, who - in normal circumstances - study, eat and socialise there for a large part of their day, five times a week.

But there are those special students who take it to the next level and become the heartbeat of their school community.

That could be setting up and leading clubs and groups that benefit the school and other pupils, taking leading action to tackle important issues in the school and wider society, or providing a support network for fellow students.

All of the above are qualities of "Star Students" who are inspired just as much by succeeding themselves, as they are helping others reach their potential.

Two specific categories in The Telegraph & Argus Education Awards 2021 give teachers and staff the chance to put their most outstanding students in the spotlight.

The Student of the Year Under 16 and Student of the Year Over 16 categories are prestigious awards to be nominated for and the three people shortlisted for each title will have the privilege of attending a virtual ceremony on Thursday, April 29.

We are still looking for nominations for Student of the Year Under 16 and Student of the Year Over 16, as well as for the other eight categories.

Of course, the life of a student, and everyone else involved in the smooth running of a school, has changed significantly due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But we know there are plenty of you out there who have gone above-and-beyond even in these difficult times.

If you're nominated, you could follow in the footsteps of last year's winners, Hanzala Mansoor (Star Student Under 16) and Sabah Nisa (Star Student Over 16).

Hanzala, a maths-lover attending Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, was described by one of his teachers as "remarkable" and "an all-round cracker".

Another teacher, Claire Daddy, said Hanzala - who has bilateral sensori-neural hearing loss and wears two hearing aids - exemplified perseverance and tenacity.

Hanzala said on winning his award: "I think it's important to help other people, so they can learn more and make a difference in their work.

"I'm using my knowledge to help somebody else.

"It makes me feel proud because I've been elected from the school.

"I'm representing this school to make more people come.

"It can help make my future."

Meanwhile, Sabah Nisa, from Copthorne Primary School, was nominated by her manager, Nikol Rainbank.

Mrs Rainbank said Sabah had "blossomed" from a very quiet individual to a confident, happy and knowledgeable worker within the school, who was highly thought of by her students and parents in the community.

Sabah said she felt "overwhelmed" at being announced as the winner, but was grateful for the opportunities she had.

She added: "It's just been amazing to get that sort of experience when you start a new job.

"There's always difficulties but people have been so caring and they've helped me and motivated me.

"They've just always been there for me."

The deadline for nominations for the 2021 awards is at the end of this month, on Friday, February 26.

To nominate, visit: thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/nominationform/