The county’s annual teaching awards are hunting for strong leaders whose passion and expertise are helping pupils to flourish.

Nominations for the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards include the categories Early Years Foundation Stage Leader and Senior Leadership Team. They recognise individuals creating an environment of great teaching, quality resources and pupil success.

Cllr Mike O’Brien, cabinet member at Medway Council, which is supporting both categories, said: “I really do hope that all of our teachers and support staff put in nominations. It’s such a worthwhile initiative and it helps to recognise the fantastic work that’s going on throughout our Medway and Kent schools.”

Members of the public and school staff can submit one nomination or more at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk before March 1.

The awards, organised by the KM Group's charity department, include categories for anyone making a difference to the success of a school including teaching staff, volunteers and support staff.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “Take us to your leaders! We’re looking for people who are setting the standard and constantly striving to improve outcomes for their schools and pupils.

“Please nominate individuals whose dedication, knowledge and ideas are helping children to get the best possible start in their educational lives.”

The judging panel will include representatives from CXK, Kreston Reeves, Loop CR Ltd, Kent County Council, Canterbury Christ Church University, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Leeds Castle, Marlowe Theatre, Kent Sport and Physical Activity Service, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and the following departments at the University of Kent: History; Biosciences; European Culture and Languages; Politics and International Relations; Physical Sciences; and Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

An awards dinner will be staged at Leeds Castle in May when around 50 staff and schools will be honoured.