Nominations for Bury Free Press Top of the Class Education Awards close on Monday, March 25

Nominations for our education awards close on Monday – so there is still time to let us know about a teacher or teaching assistant who deserves special recognition.

The new Bury Free Press Top of the Class Education Awards will crown a Teacher of the Year and Teaching Assistant of the Year in celebration of the unsung heroes of the classroom.

So far, we have received around 200 nominations for staff from schools across the area.

We can also reveal an additional prize for the winners of Everyman cinema tickets.

There are still a few days left to submit a nomination, which must be received by 11.59pm on Monday, March 25.

Bury Free Press editor Barry Peters said: "I'm delighted so many nominations have come in - there's a lot of pressure on schools with the likes of budgets and Ofsted, let alone parents and the children, so it's delightful to see so many examples of great work in our classrooms.

"I can still remember some of the great teachers I had and those early role models do stick with you for the rest of your life, so it's important they know how valued they are.

"There's still time to let us know who your child's role model is and shine a spotlight on the great work that goes on when the classroom door closes."

Sarah Catchpole, acting head of South Lee Prep School & Nursery, in Bury St Edmunds, said: “I am so proud that Mr Catchpole, Mrs Tilbrook and Mrs Gisbey (from South Lee) have been recognised and nominated for the Teacher and Teaching Assistant of the Year in the Bury Free Press awards.

“At South Lee Prep School, we pride ourselves on our pastoral care. It is vitally important that when parents leave their most precious possessions with us, they leave safe in the knowledge that they will be looked after, as we would our own children.

“Teaching is a rewarding job, but it is not just a 8am-4pm profession, that some people may think it is.

“We are always striving to make a difference and ensure that all the children in our care, feel happy, safe, and well cared for, whilst getting a superb and well-rounded education. This is what we do here.

“Teaching is a vocation that means more than a profession or an occupation. It is a calling; to educate the mind and the heart of pupils, and to share the love of learning of a subject.

“Our teaching staff go above and beyond, they are not only passionate about the subjects they teach, but they also genuinely care about the wellbeing of each child. Thank you to all the parents that have voted.”

After the nominations deadline, we will draw up a shortlist for the two categories based on the highest number of nominations we receive.

Our judges Peter Dewhurst, former headteacher of Sebert Wood Community Primary School, in Bury St Edmunds, and Dr Nikos Savvas, chief executive of Eastern Education Group, which includes West Suffolk College and Abbeygate Sixth Form College, will then choose the winners.

To submit a nomination visit www.suffolknews.co.uk/top-of-the-class/