Teachers have less than three nail biting weeks to go to find out if they will be crowned kings and queens of the classroom.

After a record 480 nominations, the winners of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2014 will be announced on Wednesday, May 14.

Rainham-based business Questor Insurance is eager to name this year’s most inspiring teachers. Sponsor of the new Geography award category, this is the first time the travel insurance company has supported the awards.

Rita Lawrence, organisational development manager and new judge to the competition, said: “We can’t wait to announce the winners. The judging process was enjoyable and the variety of nominations from fellow teachers, pupils and parents was truly inspiring to read.

“We are delighted to be involved in the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, recognising the fantastic work of talented teachers. Everyone remembers that special teacher who helped us and made a difference.”

She added that Questor Insurance is firmly rooted in Medway and keen to get involved with local initiatives. “We value the importance of being able to invest and contribute to young people’s futures,” she said.

Organiser Simon Dolby said: “We had so many outstanding nominations. The judges really had their work cut out for them to pick the best of the best. Our nominees are now looking forward to the award ceremony, which is always buzzing with excitement and a wonderful celebration of teachers who go that extra mile.”

Categories include: primary, secondary, newly qualified teacher, non teaching staff (including dinner ladies and caretakers) and volunteers.

The award ceremony, organised by the KM Charity Team, is at Hempstead House Hotel near Sittingbourne on Wednesday, May 14.

Other sponsors are Medway Council, the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Project Salus, Canterbury Christ Church University, Brachers, Independent Music Productions, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Social Enterprise Kent, the Marlowe Theatre and the University of Kent.

For more information on Questor Insurance follow the company on Twitter @QuentinQuestor.