Shortlisting panel meet to review nominations for Portsmouth's superstar educators
A group of education professionals in Portsmouth have come together to shortlist the city's superstar educators in 11 award categories for the Teach Portsmouth Awards on Friday 21 March 2025.
The Teach Portsmouth Awards return on Thursday 12 June 2025 at Portsmouth Guildhall to celebrate the achievements of school and college staff.
In December, the community nominated educators as part of the people's choice award category. Over 100 nominations were received, breaking a new record.
In January, other award categories opened, with senior school staff nominating their colleagues. Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"The Teach Portsmouth Awards have reached an all-important milestone with local education professionals meeting to decide on a shortlist and winner in each category.
Councillor Nick Dorrington
"These professionals have worked as teachers, senior leaders, governors and early year's specialists within the community and understand the education landscape. I can't wait to celebrate everyone's achievements in June at the ceremony."
Five education professionals attended the shortlisting session to review the supporting statements for each submission. Through discussion, each submission was scored against specific criteria before a concensus was reached. Bernadette Castellano, membership secretary of the Portsmouth district and branch at the National Education Union (NEU) said:
"I have been part of the shortlisting panel for the Teach Portsmouth Awards since the very beginning.
Bernadette Castellano
"Each entry is inspirational and worthy of an award, but we must whittle them down into a shortlist and overall winner.
"We deliberated for some time to create a shortlist for each category. It is always so uplifting to be part of this event."
James Doherty, principal at UTC Portsmouth said:
"It's an absolute pleasure to be part of the shortlisting panel two years in a row.
James Doherty
"I have carefully reviewed the submissions and have been struck by the incredible achievements of practitioners across the city.
"I look forward to attending the awards ceremony in June."
School and college staff who have been put forward for a long service award will not be shortlisted; they will automatically receive a trophy at the gala in recognition for 20 years of service.
The shortlist for the Teach Portsmouth Awards will be revealed in May with the winners announced at the ceremony in June.
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Callum Murphy