THE cream of classroom talent has been honoured at the Gazette’s North Essex Education Awards.

Winners received prizes at the glitzy black-tie awards ceremony at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester.

It is the second year running the Gazette has hosted the awards after asking for nominations from readers for unsung teaching talent.

Nominations were open to schools, learning establishments and anyone wanting to celebrate an individual or establishment for their work in educating our future generations.

Among the highlights was the recipient of the Learner of the Year award, Zahir Ahmadzai.

The Tendring Technology College pupil had to flee from Afghanistan.

Since joining the school two years ago, he’s made remarkable progress and recently won the Jack Petchey award for his improvement in English. He attends many after-school clubs because he is keen to achieve academically and in sport.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Gazette, was presented to Dr John Tillett MBE, a governor at Colchester Royal Grammar School.

The award to the chemist was presented by Ken Jenkinson, the school’s former headteacher. and also a member of the judging pane Jan Dixon, who works as a cook at Brightlingsea Junior School, scooped the School Personality of the Year gong.

Her citation stated she goes over and above her role, baking cakes and biscuits for events such as parents’ evening, Sharon Avent from Philip Morant School and College in Colchester won in the Support Staff of the Year category.

She has worked at the school for 17 years and was described as having been “the rock of the school during challenging times”.

Her citation added: “She has more than fulfilled her role in changing the lives of young people for the better.”

Host, magician Michael J Fitch, wowed the guests with his best tricks and even set up a mannequin challenge: 

Just some of the other winners across a total of 20 categories included: Nanny Jo’s nursery, Early Years award; Nicole Smith, Fit for Life award; Valerie Baker, Teaching Assistant of the Year; Colne School, Innovation in the Arts award; Jeanette Kemp, Outstanding New Teacher; Debbie Davey, Award for Youth; Stephanie McAndrew, The Special Education Needs award; Great Bentley, Primary School of the Year; Colne Community School and College, Secondary School of the Year.

The main event sponsors were the University of Essex and Barleylands.

The Gazette’s Essex events manager Kelly Roast, said: “It was so nice to be able to recognise people who have dedicated so much to our children’s education. It is quite humbling when you hear some of the stories.”

Other judges were Mr Jenkinson, Nardeep Sharma, of Coast 2 Coast Teaching School Alliance, Rachel Wier of Essex University and Alan Cadman, of Cadman Group.