After the education sector's turbulent past year, the LeicestershireLive Education Awards 2021 came at the perfect time.
Not only a chance to have some face-to-face, festive fun, the event gave everyone the opportunity to share and hear inspiring stories, recognise resilience and celebrate success.
Live at the King Power Stadium on Thursday, December 9, teachers, students, staff and schools from across Leicestershire came together to find out who would be taking home one of the 14 prestigious awards.
Presenter Des Coleman led the audience through the exciting evening, rewarding those driving education forward with their enthusiasm, passion and support as well as the talented and determined young students.
Local businesses and organisations showed their support for the tenacious education sector, with the University of Leicester headline sponsoring the event.
The winners are:
Music Excellence
Winner: Tiasha Bhattachraya did not let the pandemic hold back her progression as a vocalist. This year, she has already sung at the Year 6 open evening and has now joined the reformed jazz band as a singer. Tiasha has already volunteered for future events, with her potential evident to all and no bounds to what she can achieve.
Science and Maths
Sponsored by Fullhurst Community College
Winner: Zoe Nakas is passionate about science and hopes to pursue a career in the subject, something which she can easily achieve with her natural independence and hardworking, hands-on approach. Zoe's can-do attitude means she is always ready to take on whatever challenge she is given, all while helping those around her.
Finalists: Archie Swinfield and Muhammed Ali Khan
Community Champion
Sponsored by Hastings Direct
Winner: Asha Goodall took on the 100-mile walking challenge to raise money for Loros Hospice, and then created a inspirational book called 'My A-Z of Mental Wellbeing' which she sent out to vulnerable children. She collected 3,086 pieces of litter along her challenge and subsequently inspired new environmental initiatives at her school.
Finalists: Natasha Boyce and members of the Student Voice Action Team at Rushey Mead Academy
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Loughborough College
Winner: Cameron Meany easily achieves the fast, on-the-go demands of his job in the Sileby Redlands Community Primary School office. Cameron is highly professional and personable, forming a great relationship with the students and providing the staff with a high standard of work.
Finalist: Olivia Knight
Beating the Odds
Sponsored by Train Together Ltd
Winner: Leo Shepherd inspires everyone at The Cedars Academy, being described as a delight to teach and support due to his joy and positivity. Despite his serious heart condition, hearing impairment and learning difficulties, he shows phenomenal resilience and determination in order to learn and succeed.
Finalists: Grace Davis and Katie Parker
Healthy Schools
Winner: Brocks Hill Primary School puts a healthy lifestyle at the top of its priorities. PE lessons, team sports, outdoor learning and daily boost sessions engage physical skills; alongside physical literacy programmes, a new outdoor gym and community allotment. Pupils can also become wellbeing ambassadors and access help from special support staff.
Finalists: Hallam Fields Primary School and Lutterworth High School's catering team.
Sporting Excellence
Winner: Lorenzo Martin started karting at the age of four and has progressed from racing at club level to the higher Motorsport UK events. His achievements on and off the track have helped him to secure many podium positions from various championships as well as brand-ambassador roles.
Finalists: Amber Faulkner and Teagan Broughton
Inspirational Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by TMET | The Mead Educational Trust
Winner: Brett Heathcote was a popular and much loved photography teacher at Gateway College. Prior to his passing in September 2021, he had a profound effect on students, staff and the school as a whole. The true soul of the department, his energy and passion helped students transform and evolve with confidence and skill.
Finalists: Emma Smallwood and Stacey Morley-Seaman
Newly/Recently Qualified Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by Avanti Schools Trust
Winner: Somayya Patel is a teacher in the design and technology department at Judgemeadow Community College. She supported her colleagues throughout the pandemic and was the first to volunteer to teach key workers’ students. Somayya even gave up her own time during the summer to help those who had lost out on learning.
Finalists: Chloe Smith and Joshua Mammatt
Support Staff of the Year
Sponsored by Invent Learning
Winner: Jordan Small is a phase leader at Millgate School supporting students to overcome barriers in their personal development. He takes it upon himself to improve support systems in the school, take on extra learning and spends two nights a week at the school residence to help some of the most vulnerable students.
Finalists: Bernie Walker and Kris Cross
Headteacher of the Year
Sponsored by Schoolwear Solutions
Winner: Matthew Peet is the headteacher at Mowmacre Hill Primary School. He worked tirelessly during lockdown to gain funding for access to live online learning, enabling every child to be heard and feel like they belong. His ‘open door’ policy and unique ability to identify and encourage progression helps staff to develop their individual skills while creating one effective and united team.
Finalists: Denham Kite and Gary Aldred
School of the Year
Sponsored byAspire People
Winner: Braunstone Community Primary School promotes the importance of every single child and staff member working towards becoming the best versions of themselves. Everyone is treated equally and fairly in the supportive environment, helped by the proactive pastoral team, high standard of teaching led by new research, and the belief to achieve full potential.
Finalists: Birch Wood School and The Winstanley School
Student of the Year
Sponsored byInspiring Leaders Teacher Training
Winner: Asha Goodall has made a huge impact on the lives around her. Passionate, resilient and a champion for inclusion, she shows inspiring commitment to improving the wellbeing of others. Asha has taken her own challenges which she has to overcome everyday and turned them from difficulties into opportunities to help others. Fundraiser, environmentalist, mental health advocate, Asha is a true community champion.
The University of Leicester’s Outstanding Education Citizen Award
Sponsored byUniversity of Leicester
Winner: Natasha Boyce is a true inspiration, mentor and role model for so many in the community. She works tirelessly to create opportunities for young people, encouraging them to use their voices and stand up against injustice. Natasha creates an environment where equality, diversity and inclusivity are a top priority, empowering students through authentic and enriching teaching. She is helping to create a generation of compassionate, respectful and proud young people who have a passion for being a force for good.
