There’s a last minute chance to vote for unsung classroom heroes in Kent and Medway.

The deadline for nominations for the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards has been extended to this Sunday (March 8).

Organisations backing the awards have called for nominations for school stars - including teachers, volunteers and support staff - while there’s still time.

Colin Smith, partner at Brachers Law, said: “It is crucial to recognise and celebrate these teaching professionals who are helping to inspire the next generation.”

Sally Williamson of anti bullying group Project Salus added: “There are some very special staff who work tirelessly and with endless patience to make sure every child has the chance to succeed.”

The winners will be invited to a glittering awards dinner organised by the KM Group’s charity department and staged at Leeds Castle on May 19. Supporters including guest of honour David Starkey, renowned historian and television presenter, will be on hand to congratulate the cream of the crop of Kent’s schools.

A record number of organisations have announced their support of the awards including CXK, Kent Sport, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Christ Church University, Marlowe Theatre, Leeds Castle, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Project Salus, Brachers Law, William Giles Chartered Accountants, Social Enterprise Kent, 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 made a final call for nominations saying: “There are just days to go, so please don’t delay. Nominating is very easy - just fill in the short and simple online form to show your appreciation for an unsung member of staff.

“You can put forward individuals or teams whether they are support staff, volunteers, management or teaching staff. There is a category for anyone you can think of.”

Award categories include primary, secondary, newly qualified teacher, non teaching member of staff (such as dinner ladies and caretakers) and a volunteer award, which includes members of the PTA and governors.

To nominate, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk and complete the short online form by this Sunday, March 8.