Frequently Asked Questions

Who can make a nomination?
We would encourage everyone who has contact with schools to think about submitting an application form. Nominations can be made by anyone - headteachers, teachers, classroom assistants, parents, governors, pupils, businesses and employers working with schools, and the general public – simply by completing the application form by post or online.

Who can be nominated?
The Education Awards are open to all North Essex government funded and independent private educational establishments including primary, secondary and special needs schools. Registered childminders, nurseries and those linked with education, whether a football coach, youth club leader or brownie leader etc, can all be put forwarded for these awards.

Do I have to ask permission before nominating a school or teacher?
No, we will check with headteachers in schools if the nomination gets to the final stages.

Where can I make the nomination?
By post to Kelly Roast, Events Manager, Newsquest Essex Events Team, Unit 1, Brunel Court, Brunel Way, Colchester, CO4 9XP or online by filling in the nomination form here

Do I need to send anything else in or provide evidence?
Our experienced judging panel will make decisions based on the information provided on your nomination form. You may send up to six A4 sheets of additional information included with the entry form. We can also accept brochures or dvds as supporting material.

How much work is involved in nominating someone?
All you need to do is complete both the nomination form and upload your Word document/photos online or post your nomination to Kelly Roast at the address above.

How many nominations can I make?
You can make as many nominations as you wish. Please note however that nominations will be sifted, and finalists short-listed based on the content of the nominations rather than the number of nominations received.

What happens next after I have nominated?
Once nominations close, on August 29, all entries will be assessed by a panel of judges against the relevant category criteria. From this, nominations will be shortlisted in each category. Following the completion of the judging process, the judges will determine the winner and two runners up in each category.
At this stage the three finalists in each category and representatives of their school will be informed and invited along to the final awards ceremony.

Who organises and sponsors them?
The Awards are organised by Newsquest Essex Limited, publishers of several local newspapers which include the Essex County Standard and Gazette, as well as digital websites and events. Each category is sponsored by a local business within the area.

How are they judged?
An independent panel of expert judges will select the winners for each of the Awards. Please note: The judges’ decision is final. The judges will place an entry in a more appropriate category if they think it is applicable. The organisers reserve the right to change deadline dates and categories as appropriate. Entries will not be returned.

When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at a gala event to be held at The Colchester Community Stadium on Friday November 18, 2016.

The black-tie gala event, which will be open to anyone who wishes to attend, will include reception, three course dinner, awards presentation ceremony, entertainment and followed by a disco. Although we cannot guarantee that you will win an award, we can promise you a memorable evening! Those chosen as a finalist will receive 2 complimentary tickets each and further tickets can be purchased for the price of just £35.

If you have any questions relating to this form, or the evening, please contact Kelly Roast on 01206 508374 or email: educationawards@nqe.com

For information relating to sponsorship of awards please contact Jo Johnson on 01206 508396 or Lynda Clark on 01206 508230 or e-mail: educationawards@nqe.com