Top newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who are making a difference to their schools deserve recognition, says a key partner of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

The Faculty of Education at Canterbury Christ Church University is backing the NQT category to reward excellence ‘at a time when the profession faces numerous challenges’.

Anyone can make a nomination however the deadline of March 2 is fast approaching.

Catherine Carden said: “As a Faculty of Education we work in partnerships with schools and learning setting to prepare the next generation of teachers. Together we are committed to providing outstanding initial teacher education.

“We know the difference a teacher can make to the life chances of children and young people. We are also committed to the ongoing support and development of teachers.”

She added: “At a time when the profession faces numerous challenges, it is important to celebrate the fantastic contribution that teachers make, the huge difference that they make to children and young people’s life chances. These awards are a public thank you to those who make a difference.”

A record number of organisations have announced their support of the awards including Canterbury Christ Church University, CXK, Kent Sport, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Brachers Law, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, William Giles Chartered Accountants, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Christ Church University, Marlowe Theatre, Leeds Castle, and the following departments at the University of Kent: Politics and International Relations; Psychology; Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences; Physical Sciences; Biosciences; European Culture and Languages; and History.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team, which organises the awards, said: “I’d like to thank Canterbury Christ Church University for all of their support and hope that members of the public and co-workers alike will submit a nomination. The awards are a big pat on the back to hard working teachers and other members of staff in schools across the county.”

Award categories include primary, secondary and newly qualified teachers, as well as volunteer and non-teaching staff. The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards dinner at Leeds Castle on May 19.

For more information or to nominate by the March 2 deadline, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.