The hunt is on for Kent’s top teachers including those guiding the next generation of mathematicians, historians, and captains of industry.

As key partner of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, the University of Kent has despatched a small army of outreach workers to go into the county’s schools. Their goal is to promote the award categories they are championing – maths, history, and business studies, plus the secondary school teacher of the year award – to encourage nominations.

Steven Holdcroft, assistant director of the university’s Enrolment Management Services, said: “I’m really pleased to be supporting the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards. It’s a great event that’s grown from strength to strength.”

He added: “There are categories representing head teachers, teachers, volunteers, and support staff from primary school, secondary school, and further education - recognising the invaluable contribution that these people make to the education of our children.”

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, which is organising the awards, said: “We are thrilled the University of Kent is actively urging schools to nominate their shining stars.

“There are inspirational individuals striving every day to ensure young people have the best opportunities in life – including the chance to go on to further or higher education – and we think their efforts deserve recognition.

“Please don’t hesitate to put forward someone who you think is making a real difference to their students or colleagues.”

The University of Kent is joined by a number of organisations on the judging panel including Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, University of Greenwich, Kreston Reeves, Social Enterprise Kent, Medway Youth Trust, Canterbury Christ Church University, Loop CR, Kent Sport and Physical Education, Salus, Diggerland, Kent Further Education, Kape HR, KCS, Towergate Insurance, The Education People, EduKit, Kent County Council, Medway Council, and Hornby.

Approximately 50 district winners will be revealed at an awards dinner at the Ashford International Hotel in May. Overall champions will receive trophies plus prizes donated by the judges.

Nominations can be made online by school staff, parents, or students at www.KentTeacherOfTheYear.co.uk before the March 1 deadline.

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