The finalists in the Worcestershire Education Awards 2024 have been announced.

The awards are organised by Newsquest, publisher of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Kidderminster Shuttle, Bromsgrove & Redditch Advertisers and Evesham Journal in conjunction with Birmingham Newman University.

An independent panel of judges have chosen three finalists in each of the 12 categories.

The judges were: Dr Matt Lamb, principal of Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form in West Bromwich and Worcester City Councillor for Children and Young People; Dave Seddon, a headteacher for over 25 years at three large secondary schools in the Midlands, a school governor and captain of England’s Walking Football team; Stephanie Preece, editor of Newsquest's Midlands and Gloucestershire newspapers; and Tricia Sterling, Executive Dean of Birmingham Newman University.

Stephanie Preece said: "Congratulations to all the finalists. We were overwhelmed by the standard of entries this year and I would like to thank all my fellow judges for giving their time."

The finalists in each category are:

  • Unsung Hero Award - sponsored by Award Event Services : Dianne Brace (Wildgoose Rural Training and Nature Reserve), Lee Davies (Wychbold First and Nursery School), Scott Rayson (Stourport High School and VIth Form College)
  • Early Years Education Award - sponsored by Bowbrook House School: Susan Burford, Little Cherries Pre School, Little Lodge Nursery
  • Primary School of the Year - sponsored by Kitchen Doors & Windows: Cherry Orchard Primary School, St Barnabas CE School, St Bartholomew's CE Primary School
  • Secondary School of the Year - sponsored by John Finch Computers: Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form, The de Montford School, Trinity High School & Sixth Form Centre
  • Independent School of the Year - sponsored by Guardian Jewellery: Bowbrook House School, The Downs Malvern, Gloverspiece School
  • Community Involvement Award - sponsored by the University of Worcester: The Academy Programme CIC, Discover History, Far Forest Primary Academy PTA
  • Special Education Needs (senco) Award - sponsored by Carters Furniture: Sarah Burnell (Nunnery Wood High School), N-able Others Ltd, Wyre Forest School
  • Headteacher/Principal of the Year - sponsored by Worcestershire Children First: Chris Allen (Bowbrook House School), Suzanne Beston (Perrywood Primary & Nursery School), Rebecca Garratt (Wyre Forest School)
  • Teacher/Lecturer of the Year - sponsored by West Midland Safari Park: Nina Geithner-Hill (Wyre Forest School), Dr J McGowan (University of Worcester), Natalie Watts (Bishop Perowne CE College)
  • New Teacher of the Year - sponsored by Everyday Cleaning Specialists: Sarah Bone (Bishop Perowne CE College), Sam Coles (Stourport High School), Christopher Wickham (Cutnall Green CE Primary School)
  • Support Staff of the Year - sponsored by Jack Cotterill Tree Services Ltd: The Catering Team New College Worcester, Ailsa Deakin (Abbey Park School), Ana Griffiths (Perowne CE College)
  • Stem Project of the Year - sponsored by National Grid Distribution: Bishop Perowne CE College, Bowbrook House School, Cherry Orchard Primary School

The winners will be announced at a glitzy black tie dinner at the Bankhouse Hotel in Bransford, near Worcester, on Thursday, April 18.