Entries are now open for the East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk Education Awards, and as school years are some of the most formative and important times in a young person’s life, now more than ever educational establishments are recognising the need to offer a full programme of support to help children, teens and young adults to thrive not just in their learning and educational development, but also their personal, physical, social and mental growth.

The East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk Education Awards, which are new for this year, look to celebrate institutions that have recognised this and are working hard to support their students in all areas.

Nominations can be made by anyone, from colleagues and managers to parents, guardians, students and even individuals and institutions themselves.

There are many categories to apply for and nominate in, but as opposed to other categories such as Teacher of the Year or Teaching Assistant or Support Staff of the Year, which focus on incredible individuals, the Outstanding Support for Students award is for an entire educational establishment from Suffolk that is excelling in the support of its students.

The winner of this award will offer an exemplary programme or system that provides support in all areas and allows a student to develop to their fullest potential.

The judges will be looking at areas including the institution’s inclusivity, SEND and STEM provision, support for physical, mental health and diversity and, of course, how it nurtures and enhances students’ education.

Entrants should provide a clear statement of their school ethos and values, with evidence of their education support system offering and their mental health, physical health, SEND and diversity programmes. 

They should also provide details of the specific support offered, the impact this has on students and its extension into the wider school and local community.

The deadline for entries to the Suffolk Education Awards is Sunday, August 6, and all finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 9 at Venue 16 in Ipswich.

To enter or make a nomination for the Outstanding Support for Students category, or to find out about the other categories, please visit suffolkeduawards.co.uk