THE Telegraph & Argus Bradford & District Education Awards returned with a bang last night as star staff, pupils, and governors could finally meet in person once again.

The prestigious ceremony - in its ninth edition - has been held virtually over the past two years due to the enforced restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

This time, Bradford Hotel hosted the evening which showcases and recognises the district's top achievers in the sector.

Click here to see the full list of winners and nominees from the night.

All 27 nominees deserve a huge amount of credit for excelling in their respective fields.

There were plenty of interesting and emotional tales to be told to the hundreds in attendance on the night.

And the reactions of those who won were priceless - each in total shock that they were the judges' top choice in one of the 10 categories on offer.

Host broadcaster Kate Walby was in great form, ensuring the event ran smoothly from 7pm until 10.30pm.

The evening began with Telegraph & Argus Editor Nigel Burton explaining what the awards are all about.

He said: "The T&A has had a strong relationship with our education sector for decades and that is why we started this awards in the first place. We thought there needed to be an event that shone a light on all the good work that is being done locally. 

"It is not just about the teachers, as important as you all are, there are so many other people, as you know, who help create a good school.

"Tonight is about the teaching assistants, dinner staff, maintenance workers, volunteers, governors, and especially the pupils. It is them that make a great school.

"All our schools in the district have risen to the challenge magnificently.

"To the finalists, I say well done for getting this far. If you don't get the top prize tonight, don't worry because in our eyes you are still winners, there are no losers here.”

This was followed by Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe praising all those in attendance and highlighting how important education is for the district.

"I wanted to say thank you," she added.

"The last two years have been so hard for everyone in this district. Teachers and staff have worked so hard to help our young people through something you could never have imagined would have happened.

"Our young people have been massively challenged with what they have had to go through, and you have been with them every step of the way. Not just providing education, but emotional support.

"Everyone has gone that extra mile to support our young people and are continuing to do so.

“Despite all those challenges, we must not lose sight that progress is being made across primary and secondary schools and from early ages to post 16 in our district. In those last two years, you were still producing outstanding education for our young people.

"The Education Awards are one of my favourites of the year because I go away with a skip in my step after hearing all the inspirational stories.

"Our young people are going to make Bradford better in the future and therefore all our energy needs to go to make sure they are in a position to make a difference in life.

"Our colleges and schools are vibrant places packed with teachers and other members of staff who go above and thrive future beyond to nurture pupils and make sure they have the best opportunities and knowledge to thrive in the future. Everything begins with education.

“Across the district, we have dedicated teams in colleges and schools who regularly go the extra mile to inspire and support young people to help them reach their potential.

“As a partner, the council is very clear that education takes place from birth and continues for life. It happens both inside and outside the school gates.

"We are investing to create that culture of learning and opportunity for all. We are investing in regeneration and the city of culture bid. We have wonderful assets, and we are ambitious for our people and place.

"We all know that Bradford district is a great place to live and work and I cannot think of a better example of that than this evening. I want to congratulate all the nominees.”

Director of Bradford's 2025 UK City of Culture bid Richard Shaw then spoke of how brilliant it is to have made the final four for the coveted title.

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

A representative from one of our eight fantastic sponsors read out the recipient of each accolade.

Mrs Walby then reasserted control of the stage to congratulate and have a nice chat with the taken aback winners.

There was a delightful surprise when, for the first time in the event's history, all three nominees were awarded "Star student of the Year".

The night ended in sterling fashion as the well-loved Dr Manoj Joshi was handed the Lifetime Achievement award.