T&A Education Awards 2025: Categories and how to enter

The prestigious event will be held at Bradford’s Cedar Court Hotel on Thursday, April 3, and will be hosted by former ITV Calendar presenter Duncan Wood.

This inspirational event raises the profile of education establishments across the Bradford district and recognises the fantastic achievements from primary and secondary schools, teachers, governors, support staff and pupils. 

The awards celebrate all the great work that goes on in our classrooms, behind the scenes, teacher associations, as well as in the wider community.

We have heard outstanding, moving and truly inspirational stories over the many years the awards have run, and we’re sure that next year will be no exception.

A Bradford College spokesperson said: "Bradford College is proud to partner on the Education Awards, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to transform the lives of the people of Bradford.

(Image: Newsquest) “Our commitment is to empower our community through education, inspiring growth, opportunity, and success.

“We encourage everyone to nominate those individuals, schools, and educators who are making a lasting impact on the future of our city.

“It’s going to be an incredible evening of celebration, recognizing the achievements and dedication of all those who contribute to education in Bradford.

“We are looking forward to joining the nominees for a night that showcases the very best of our community.”

Wayne Topley, managing director at Cedar Court Hotels, said: “We are so pleased to be able to host the event in 2025 and be one of the award sponsors, it is great opportunity to create to take time to say thank you to the people at the very heart of our community and especially those that truly deserve the recognition.

“It will be a night to remember.”

You can make a nomination by following this link or by scanning the QR code. 

Scan this QR code to make a nomination (Image: Newsquest)

Categories in the awards 

STAR STUDENT OF THE YEAR: This award celebrates the students who go above and beyond what is expected of them at school, forming and leading clubs and groups to benefit the school and their peers, and taking leading action to tackle important issues in the school, local community and wider society.

NURSERY OR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR: This award celebrates the outstanding achievement or dedication of individual primary or nursery phase teachers, who are inspirational to their pupils through exciting and engaging teaching and make an exceptional contribution to life at their school or nursery.

NURSERY OR PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR: This award is for a primary school that can demonstrate its effectiveness not only in transforming the life chances of local children but also in enriching the local community. It is likely to be a school that has challenges but has tackled them creatively and constructively. Locally, the school is seen as an asset to the community and is well respected by parents and key partners.

SUPPORTING STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR: This award is open to teaching assistants, caretakers, dinner staff, pastoral and support staff, and any other non-teaching staff, who always go above and beyond to benefit the children at their school, have proven to be a vital cog in the machine of the school over the past 12 months, and make a real difference for both teachers and students at their school.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR: This award recognises the outstanding work and dedication of teachers in secondary schools who are perfect role models for their students, provide inspirational and engaging teaching, and have had a huge impact on their school in the past 12 months.

SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR: This award seeks to honour the school or college which has been on the biggest journey in the past 12 months. Whether it be through brilliant exam results, fantastic pupil progress, receiving awards, becoming a hub for a certain subject, or enriching the lives of pupils through fantastic extra-curricular activities and being a school at the heart of the community - we want you to tell us your school's story and what you have done in the past year which is worth shouting about.

HEADTEACHER OF THE YEAR: This award recognises the heads of schools who are shining beacons of leadership in the education sector, who have made a significant contribution to education at their school, guiding their teams of staff and students with superb skills and being the perfect representative for their school.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OF THE YEAR This award honours the staff at schools who are passionate about making sure their school and pupil take pride in the area where they are based and ensuring the school is an integral part of the local community. Whether it be adult education lessons, litter picks, community improvement schemes, or regular fairs for neighbours to visit, we want to hear about the people who put their school at the heart of the community.

NEW FOR 2025 – SPECIALIST PROVISION SCHOOL OF THE YEAR : Has your specialist provision school (schools for pupils with SEND or emotional and behavioural difficulties, alternative provisions, and pupil referral units) had a stand-out academic year?  We’d like to hear about your successes and innovations – from parental engagement or student success to new ways you’ve supported students in their learning or helped them engage with the local community. Or perhaps you’ve achieved something different entirely?