The amazing work in our schools will come under the spotlight with the Daily Echo School awards launched today.

Nominations are now open for the 2022 awards, held in association with United Taxis, and it's your chance to honour those who really make a difference.

The pandemic has made it a tough and challenging two years in our schools - with so many people going above and beyond to keep education for our children on track in the most challenging of circumstances, especially during the lockdowns.

Those in our schools have been every bit the heroes too.

Vote here

Now we are asking you to pay tribute to everyone from headteachers and PE teachers to lunchtime supervisors, lollipop ladies and support staff.

Three people will be shortlisted in each category, with a winner chosen from each one and then an overall winner.

Editor in Chief of the Daily Echo, Diarmuid McDonagh, said: “There is always a lot of wonderful work going on in our schools much of which goes unrecognised.

"But the pandemic has taken the dedication, care, professionalism and sheer hard work of all those involved in schools to a whole new level.

"This is an opportunity to reward and recognise those who make such difference to our young people."

Andy Prescott, Director, United Taxis: "As suppliers of school transport for many children in the local area, we are delighted to support the Daily Echo School Awards 2022 as headline sponsors.

"Since the start of the pandemic, those in the education sector have worked harder than they ever have before, being flexible and agile to meet the needs of the children and the additional demands the virus has inflicted.

"I’m certain that as well as teachers and support staff having to find new methods of engaging with the children, they have done so whilst working longer hours and missing out on holidays and time spent with their friends and families.

"These awards are testament to the incredible work that happens every day in our local schools are a great opportunity to celebrate the inspirational staff who every day go the extra mile to make education a positive experience for our children."

The categories are:

Nursery School team member of the Year (including Early Years Teacher)

• Primary School Teacher of the Year (Key stage 1/2)

• Secondary Teacher of the Year (Key Stage 3/4)

• Online Teacher/Teaching Assistant of the year

• STEM Teacher of the Year

• Newcomer of the Year (nominees in education for less than two years)

• Supporting Staff Member of the Year (eg lunchtime supervisor)

• Further Education Award (Key Stage 5/College Tutor)

• Teaching Assistant of the Year

• Lifetime Achievement Award

• Leadership Award (Head Teacher or Senior Leadership team member)

Tracy Hayden, Director of Advertising for Newsquest said: “We are so proud to be organising these awards once again. I would ask as many people as possible to send in their nominations to honour the great work done in our schools by so many people."

The closing date for nominations is 9th March with judging beginning on March 11. You can now vote online at https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/awards/schoolawards/

The shortlist supplement will appear in the paper on March 21 with the winners supplement on March 31 - both will also be online.

There is no in person awards ceremony this year.