THE long-awaited return of the Education Awards will finally happen in 2022 with an evening of glitz and glamour this week at Bradford Hotel.

The event will be showcasing finalists covering all aspects of education who are deserving of recognition and are all winners in their own right.

After the 2020 and 2021 ceremonies were both held online, the awards, which the Telegraph and Argus, runs in partnership with Bradford Council, will celebrate the best and brightest in education this Thursday at Bradford Hotel. Broadcaster Kate Walby will be the host for the evening.

Nigel Burton, editor of the Telegraph & Argus, said: “After two difficult years we are delighted tto be back at the Bradford Hotel.

“The T&A believes passionately in the value of a good education and that’s why weare hosting these awards - to celebrate everything that’s good about Bradford’s education sector; the quality of teaching, the passion, the effort and the willingness to go the extra mile.

“But it’s not just the teachers that make a great school. It’s the teaching assistants, the dinner ladies, the office administrators, the cleaners, the school crossing patrols, the governors, the volunteers and, most of all, the pupils.”

Steve Lowe, advertising director of the Telegraph and Argus and LocaliQ, said: “After two years of running them virtually, it is fantastic to be back holding a live event.

“We want the night to be a real celebration and party to recognise the great teachers, governors, and pupils we have in the district and how they have pivoted from home schooling back to being in the classroom.

“With the great support of Bradford District Council and our category sponsors we are pleased to showcase those education jewels that we can bring out and shine at our awards.

“We are looking forward to a great night.”

To prepare for this Thursday’s event, the T&A have compiled a supplement with a list of finalists who have been shortlisted for nine awards. The awards and their sponsors are as follows: School of the Year (sponsored by Sekhon Group): This award seeks to honour the school or college which has been on the biggest journey in the past 12 months.

Star Student of the Year (sponsored by Bradford College): This prize is in recognition of students who go the extra mile at their place of learning to support fellow students, improve school life for their peers, and take a leading role in school activities.

Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year (sponsored by Born in Bradford): This award celebrates the outstanding achievement or dedication of individual primary or nursery phase teachers.

Secondary Teacher of the Year (sponsored by LocaliQ): This award recognises the outstanding work and dedication of teachers in secondary schools, who are role models for students and provide engaging teaching.

Newcomer of the Year (sponsored by Bradford for Teaching): This award celebrates the successes of teachers and staff new to the profession.

Support Staff Member of the Year (sponsored by Telegraph and Argus): This award is open to teaching assistants, caretakers, dinner staff, pastoral and support staff and any other non-teaching staff, who always go above and beyond to benefit the children and make a real difference for both teachers and students at their school.

Headteacher of the Year (sponsored by Northern Lights SKITT): This award recognises the heads of schools who are shining beacons of leadership in the education sector, who have made a significant contribution to education at their school.

Community Involvement of the Year (sponsored by Broadway Bradford): This award honours those who are passionate about making sure their school and pupils take pride in the area where they are based and ensuring the school is an integral part of the local community.

Governor of the Year (sponsored by Bradford Council): This award recognises the crucial role governors play in the operation of schools, and the ideas and plans they create which have a positive impact on pupils, and the school.