THE Lancashire Telegraph is once again seeking the best pupils, staff, teachers and support staff, as it today launches the Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards 2016.

The awards, which celebrate all the good work and dedication in East Lancashire schools, also highlight the innovation and best practice across the area.

MORE TOP STORIES:

East Lancashire has some fantastic schools, rated outstanding by Ofsted.

But many feel the efforts of teachers and staff are frequently undervalued so the awards aim to acknowledge and reward excellence.

This year, we are on the look-out for nominations for 11 categories, with Special School Pupil of the Year a new award for 2016.

The overall sponsor is UCLan, who will also be sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award. The other individual category sponsors are Myerscough College, Nelson and Colne College, Key Stage, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, BAE, Alpha Digital Networks, First Class Learning, Tiny Pixles, Precious Moments Childcare andTeaching Personnel Dr Jo Heaton-Marriott, head of Communications and Engagement at UCLan, said: “The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is delighted to once again sponsor the Lancashire Telegraph’s Schools Awards.

“Government figures suggest that a young person’s chance of attending university still depends heavily on where they live, their background and whether they are male or female.

"As a University we are committed to breaking down such barriers and supporting progression to Further and Higher Education.

We continually work with secondary schools in East Lancashire and beyond to encourage this progression by providing information, advice and other social engagement activities such as the award winning Lancashire Science Festival and regular academic taster sessions in subjects which range from astrophysics and medicine to languages and media.”

Entries are invited from teachers, parents, governors, pupils and anyone with knowledge of a particular school and can be submitted on the entry form below.

Lancashire Telegraph:

All schools are welcome to enter as long as they are based in the boroughs of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale or Chorley.

Individuals or institutions can enter more than one category but this should be made clear on the entry form.

The last date for receiving entries is Friday, May 20 and they can be emailed to: educationawards@nqnw.co.uk or posted to Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards, Editorial, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 1HT.

If you have any inquiries, please telephone Francesca Winrow on 01254 298219.

The winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony to be held later this year.

All applications will be considered and entrants using the official form agree to accept the judges’ decision as final.