A top education chief has attended the formal launch of the Kent Literacy Awards 2015 to boost skills vital to the next generation.

The awards highlight the top projects and activities going on in schools across the county to develop pupils’ literacy skills. Nominations can be submitted by students, parents or school staff until the deadline of Tuesday, April 28.

Kent County Council’s Roger Gough, cabinet member of education and health reform, was among the supporters at the Beaney Centre, Canterbury where the launch was staged.

He said: “I am delighted to support the Kent Literacy Awards which recognise best practice in promoting literacy in schools throughout the county.

“The ability to read is crucial for pupils studying virtually every subject, not just English, and these awards will also highlight best practice in schools on initiatives to develop writing, speaking and listening skills.

Cllr Gough added: “These skills will stand them in good stead when they leave school and enter the adult world of work.”

Other key partners of the awards include Medway Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), The Ernest Cook Trust, Three R's Teacher Recruitment, Specsavers, Mini Babybel, Leeds Castle, Beanstalk, Clarkson Wright and Jakes Ltd, Canterbury Tales, Social Enterprise Kent and Southern Educational Leadership Trust.

The winners will be revealed at an awards celebration held at Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne in June.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team urged KentOnline readers to get involved.

“Nominate the top initiatives at your school for an award and you could be helping to boost literacy throughout the county. All of the winning submissions will be collated, published and circulated to every school in Kent, Medway and Bexley to promote best practice,” said Mr Dolby.

To submit a nomination, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk and click on the ‘Schools’ and 'Kent Literacy Awards' links before April 28.