Nominations open for 12th Essex Teaching Awards

Nominations open for 12th Essex Teaching Awards

Pupils, parents and school staff can give a teacher the recognition they deserve with a nomination for the Essex Teaching Awards 2026.

The awards – now in their 12th year – are run by Essex County Council and recognise the outstanding contribution made by teachers and school staff across the county.

The awards celebrate individuals working in a range of settings, from early years to further education and support roles.

This year’s categories are:

•          Early years team of the year

•          Childminder/childminding team of the year

•          Further Education team of the year

•          Headteacher of the year in a primary or secondary school

•          Teacher of the year in a special school

•          Lifetime achievement

•          Making a difference – primary school of the year

•          Making a difference – secondary school of the year

•          School partnership

•          Inclusive practice

•          Outstanding new teacher of the year

•          Teacher of the year in a primary school

•          Teacher of the year in a secondary school or post 16

•          Teacher of the year in a special school

•          Teaching assistant of the year

•          Impact of digital innovation

•          Support staff (member of our school community)

The Essex Teaching Awards 2026 are sponsored by the University of Essex, Daisy Education, MITIE and Able Canopies.

Claire Clilverd, Deputy Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the University of Essex, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Essex Teachers’ Awards and celebrate the incredible dedication and impact of Essex educators.”

Nominations will close on 27 March 2026 and the awards ceremony will take place in June 2026. Nominations can be made at https://www.essex.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/essex-teaching-awards

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Everyone spends time in the formal education system and it’s the actions of individuals working in these settings that can influence some of the biggest decisions we’ll ever make.

“The Essex Teaching Awards give us the opportunity to ensure those individuals get the recognition they deserve, allowing us to not only identify and celebrate them, but also share best practice across the wider education sector.

“Over the past 11 awards, we have acknowledged outstanding teachers and headteachers, teaching assistants, governing bodies and school teams who work in Essex. I’m excited we have the opportunity to celebrate our staff across the whole spectrum of education.

“I would encourage pupils, parents and other school staff to think about the excellent contributions made in education and nominate anyone you feel is deserving of an award.”