Nominations open for Raising the Bar awards for Suffolk’s schools

And the county council is also looking to recruit two young presenters to join experienced host Terry Baxter at the ceremony on July 10 at Trinity Park.

Mr Baxter, Raising the Bar Awards host and Chief Executive of Inspire Suffolk, said: “We have so many talented young people in the county, and this is a fantastic opportunity for them.

“I’m looking forward to the auditions and working with the winners to showcase just some of the inspiring stories from Suffolk education at the Raising the Bar awards ceremony.”

To enter the competition, aspiring co-presenters must be aged 14-18 and need to submit a one-minute video audition answering the question “Why should you co-present the Raising the Bar Awards 2018?”

Competition details, and video tips can be found here. The deadline for co-presenter video auditions is Good Friday, March 30.

West Suffolk College is also backing the presenter search, and will be hosting the auditions for shortlisted co-presenters at its studio in Bury St Edmunds.

Nominations are open across 14 Raising the Bar award categories, including awards for children and young people, teachers, staff and volunteers, as well as schools, settings and projects.

Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “With results in Suffolk improving faster than those nationally, there is much to celebrate in education in the county.

“The Raising the Bar Awards are an important way of recognising excellence and success in all parts of the county, and to use these examples to inspire others.

“They are a chance to say well done to pupils who have really worked hard, overcome barriers or inspired others.

“It also gives staff and parents the opportunity to say thank you to those working in early years, primary, secondary, post-16 and SEND education who are going the extra mile and who deserve recognition for this.”

Nominations are open to all publicly funded educational establishments in Suffolk. Anyone can make a nomination by visiting the website and completing the nomination form by May 1.

Raising the Bar Awards 2018 Categories:

Rising Star of the Year

A child or young person that has overcome obstacles or personal barriers to improve their learning.

For pre-school children

Young Achiever of the Year

A child or young person that has achieved in their studies, worked hard and shown a good example to others.

Age Groups:

Primary (Years 1-6)

Secondary (Years 7-11)

Post 16 education/training

Inspirational Young Person of the Year

A child or young person who has a positive attitude and approach, is a role model and inspires others

Age Groups:

12 years and under

13 years and over

Educational setting of the year

A place for learning that has shown major improvements in the last year, including raising achievement as well as strong leadership and ideas.

Educational leader of the year

A head teacher, pre-school leader, principal or other educational leader that inspires others with their vision and commitment.

Excellence in teaching

An exceptional teacher, or other educator, who improves the education and lives of their students and acts as a role model to others.

Excellence in middle leadership

A leading teacher (for example a head of department, head of year, a room or curriculum leader) who significantly contributes to the overall success and learning of children and young people.

Support staff of the year

Paid support staff (such as teaching assistants, midday supervisors or administration staff) who show outstanding commitment and make an exceptional contribution.

Excellence in collaboration

A project or partnership that has improved education by sharing new ideas and working together.

Business partner of the year

An organisation that helps to raise the bar by inspiring children and young people, and increasing their ambitions.

Outstanding Contribution as a volunteer

An unpaid governor, volunteer, parent, or member of community who goes above and beyond what is expected to improve education and community.