The great and the good of the education world will be gathering tonight for the Worcestershire Education Awards 2023.

The awards are run by Newsquest - publishers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Shuttle, and Bromsgrove and Redditch Advertisers - in association with the University of Worcester.

Now in their fifth year the awards shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference in the field of education.

Worcester News:

Tonight the winners of 12 categories will be announced at a glitzy black-tie ceremony at The Abbey Hotel in Malvern.

The finalists in each category are:

  • Nursery/Childcare Worker of the Year - sponsored by Witley Jones - Stacey Hope, Karen Hopkins and Emma Smith
  • Early Years Education Award - sponsored by Guardian Jewellery - Cornmeadow Early Years & Family, Little Lodge Nursery and Mini Explorers
  • Headteacher of the Year - sponsored by Worcestershire Children First - Emily Calvert, Lynne Duffy and Rebecca Scully
  • Primary School of the Year - sponsored by Marshall Toyota - Northwick Manor, North Worcester Primary and Oasis Academy Warndon
  • New Teacher of the Year - sponsored by Midfurn - Emily Roberts, Charlotte Smith and Aimee Wainwright
  • Support Staff of the Year - sponsored by Midland Tops - Lewis Boulton, Natalie Hothi and Averil Thomas
  • Community Involvement Award - sponsored by Kidz & Kitz - Debutots, Sytchampton Primary PTA and Discover History
  • Secondary School of the Year - sponsored by Broadmark Doors - Holy Trinity, Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College and Baxter College
  • Independent School of the Year - sponsored by ASH family law - Bowbrook House, Norton College Worcester, Gloverspiece School
  • Unsung Hero Award - sponsored by Dragon Star Security Ltd - Rosemary McNamara, Rachel Hickman and Helen Harding
  • Special Education Needs Award - sponsored by Horizon - Daniel McEvilly, Cathryn Yeomans and Gloverspiece School
  • Teacher/Lecturer of the Year - sponsored by The Development Manager Ltd - Emma Mardell, Greg Satterley and Trudy Hopley

The ceremony will be hosted by Julian Wharam - himself a teacher as well as a familiar voice on the airwaves.

Julian, who has presented on some of the biggest commercial stations is currently a presenter on Radio Wyvern.

When he's not teaching or djing, Julian has interviewed and dined-out with some of the biggest music and Hollywood stars around - including Tom Jones, Kylie, Justin Timberlake, Wet Wet Wet and Blur.

To read more about the awards click here

To find out the winners - as they are announced - follow our live blog on www.worcesternews.co.uk or search #WEA2023 on Twitter