Teachers, governors, early years staff, childminders, and classroom assistants took centre stage at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 29 June 2023 for the Teach Portsmouth Awards.
Hosted by Nation Radio's Lucy Ambache, the ceremony recognised the immense contribution of school and college staff over the last academic year.
Winners were announced in 11 award categories including inclusion, innovation, community and outstanding contribution to education. Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"The Teach Portsmouth Awards is an opportunity to recognise teaching excellence, reward best practice and showcase staff who have helped families in different ways. It's also a chance to come together and reflect on our successes as a city."
"This year, we've introduced new categories to ensure more people can be celebrated for their efforts. These include early years practitioners and childminders who play an important role in the early development of children as well as governors who draw upon their own life experiences to support a leadership teams in a school or college."
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education
The introduction of two new categories, the early years and childcare award and governor's award shone a light on those who don't always get the recognition they deserve.
Other categories included the people's choice award which allowed parents and carers to nominate a teacher, learning support assistant or head teacher who had gone above and beyond for them.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children's services and education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"Parents and carers will always have a special place in their hearts for school and college staff who support their children. It couldn't be more obvious in the people choice award category where those accomplishments that sometimes go unnoticed, shine bright.
"The Teach Portsmouth Awards are the perfect way for us to recognise those successes. By doing so, we can use these inspirational examples, to encourage others to join the profession, helping pupils in Portsmouth's classrooms."
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children, families and education
In May, a shortlisting panel of education professionals met to review the nominations to draw up a shortlist. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony across 11 categories.
In addition, over 90 people received long service awards for 20 years of service to the city. There is no overall winner in this category and everyone receives an award.
Meet the winners
The Teach Portsmouth website has been updated to include the winners across 11 award categories. For the final list, visit the Teach Portsmouth Awards page now.