AS we edge closer and closer to 'normality', the T&A's Education Awards 2021 were a huge remainder at the amazing role all those involved in education have played over the last 12 months in the toughest of times.

Schools, staff, pupils, and governors all deserve massive credit for coming out the other end of this pandemic unscathed thanks to all their incredible work.

Despite the annual event taking place only half a year since its last edition, there were plenty of stories from around the district that needed recognition.

Although the usual 300-plus guests did not attend in the flesh, everybody who watched via the live stream worldwide would have come away inspired, thrilled, and, in some cases, quite emotional.

For the second year on the bounce, the awards - in their eighth edition - were broadcast live from the Telegraph & Argus office in Bradford.

The celebrations were just as fruitful, people either enjoyed their moment of glory alone or with their families behind the camera.

See the full list of winners in each category and all those who were shortlisted here.

Steve Lowe, Sales Director at LocaliQ Bradford, the advertising arm of the T&A, was the man in charge of hosting the ceremony and communicating with the winners from afar.

Mr Lowe said: "I want to congratulate everybody in the education sector for all of the fantastic work you have done in what we have known to be exceptionally challenging circumstances for teachers, governors and support staff.

"We have got the stories of pupils, support staff, and schools themselves that have been impacted from the events over the past 12 months. Yet, with no problems at all, we were able to find those that have gone above and beyond.

"Even though it is virtual, and we are not all gathered in a room together in person, the good news is that anyone can log in and watch the successes, see the runners up and the winners, and toast your success.

"I am delighted to be here to cast the spotlight on all of the amazing and exciting things that go on in our schools to celebrate some of the wonderful achievements."

A new award was on offer for the first time, and hopefully the last, this year. Headteacher - leading through Covid was very much needed to highlight the lengths many went to ensure their school could strive during adversity.

In total, 33 people were anxiously waiting to see if they had topped one of the 11 categories.

The evening began at 6.30pm sharpish with a small introduction video before Mr Lowe occupied the reigns welcoming everybody.

Sponsor Bradford for Teaching then told the stories of teachers' experiences during lockdown. The 'shock to the system' was described as 'really challenging' before a summary of how they all wonderfully adapted to still make a difference even though it was not through the traditional methods.

Before each award, nominees' pre-recorded videos played out to let the audience know what they had managed to achieve in 2020.

A person from one of our 10 fantastic sponsors delightfully read out the recipient of the accolade.

Mr Lowe then reasserted control of the stream to congratulate and have a nice chat with the surprised, taken aback winners.

Technology cannot always be relied upon, as everybody would have discovered in this last year, but it must be said sponsors Sparq did a brilliant job to ensure the show ran as smoothly as could be.

T&A Editor Nigel Burton Burton added: "It's a virtual event so we can't meet face to face but the sentiment behind it is the same as it always has been and that is to celebrate everything that is great about the education sector in our district.

"It has been an incredible year, one that I am sure none of us hope to see repeated in our lifetime, but one that has shown how the education sector in Bradford can come together and meet incredible challenges.

"Not knowing whether or not your children were going to be sat in front of you for face-to-face teaching or sat in front of a computer waiting for a zoom lesson to start, must have been very difficult but you have all done a magnificent job.

"As a parent myself of two school age children, one of whom should have been sitting his GCSE's this year, it has certainly given me an unprecedented understanding of the difficulties you experience on a day-to-day basis of simply getting children engaged in studying.

"Of course, it is not just the teachers, it is the teaching assistants, dinner ladies, the caretakers, all the auxiliary staff who are all part in making sure our schools run so smoothly as they do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of parent everywhere.

"There are no losers, they are all winners in my book, and more so than any other time I can think of.

"I really look forward to a time where we can get together face to face and I can shake you by the hand and express my attitude for everything that you do."

If you missed the ceremony and would like to watch it back, simply click here and make sure you fast forward to 59.58.