THE finalists of this year's Thurrock Education Awards have been announced following more than 500 nominations from young people, parents and colleagues across the borough.

A total of 44 individuals and teams have been shortlisted across 11 award categories, with winners due to be announced at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 8 July.

Cabinet member for education Cllr Barry Johnson, said: "I would like to share a huge congratulations to this year's award finalists who demonstrate some of the best talent and skills in supporting and developing the education of our young people.

"This year we received 517 nominations, this is the highest number of nominations received for the education awards than any of the previous 6 Education Award events, which is a truly outstanding achievement in and of itself.

"The awards are fully funded by local businesses sponsoring the awards. Thank you so much to: Thames Freeport, Greenergy, DG International, Strategy Education, Moore Kingston Smith, DP World London Gateway, Impulse Leisure, Palmers Solicitors, H W Wilson Ltd and Port of Tilbury, for kindly making this event possible.

"I am very much looking forward to this year's event as we celebrate those who are giving our children and young people the firm foundation of education to build their future upon. Good luck to everyone shortlisted in this year's awards and I hope you enjoy the awards evening in July."

The finalists for the 2022 Education Awards are:

Excellence in early years education – sponsored by DG International

• Dee Bullion – ABC Dee's Childcare
• Early Years Team – Harris Primary Academy Mayflower
• Laura Weightman – Laura's Little Lovelies Childcare
• Manager and Team – Little Chestnuts Preschool

Newcomers of the year – sponsored by Strategy Education

• Hannah Darbey – Orsett Heath Academy
• Emma Goodsell – Quarry Hill Primary Academy
• Chloe Marshall – Gateway Primary Free School
• Sam Tizard – Bonnygate Primary School

Teaching and school support of the year – sponsored by Moore Kingston Smith

• Wendy Smith – Orsett Church of England Primary School
• Kate Stonell – Thames Park School
• Richard Turner – Graham James Primary Academy
• Lauren Williams – Little Thurrock Primary School

Excellence in English or science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) – sponsored by DP World London Gateway

• Jess Knight – William Edwards Secondary School
• Hayley Nye – Dilkes Academy
• STEM Team – Olive AP Academy
• Sam Toman – ORTU Hassenbrook Academy

Excellence in sport or the creative arts – sponsored by Impulse Leisure

• Art and photography department – William Edwards Secondary School
• Diana Naydenova-Goryanova – Ormiston Park Academy
• Billy Rungay – Orsett Heath Academy
• Aimee Valentine – Abbots Hall Primary Academy

Inclusive opportunities for skills development – sponsored by DG International

• Alexa Joel – William Edwards Secondary School
• Florin Nicorici – Ormiston Park Academy
• Samantha Phillips – Dilkes Academy
• Kirsty Stamp – Dilkes Academy

Mental health and well-being champion – sponsored by Palmers Solicitors

• Stuart Holmes – Abbots Hall Primary Academy
• House Leader Team – William Edwards Secondary School
• Pastoral Team – East Tilbury Primary School
• Susie Tyler – Olive AP Academy

Teacher of the year primary – sponsored by H W Wilson Ltd.

• Gemma Nicholson – Lansdowne Primary Academy
• Emma Walsh – Gateway Primary Free School
• James Powell – East Tilbury Primary School
• Grace Pattison – Quarry Hill Academy

Teacher of the year secondary, including post 16 – sponsored by DG International

• Gemma Ellis – ORTU Gable Hall
• Beverley Garnham – Thurrock Adult Community College
• Hannah Mitchell – ORTU Hassenbrook Academy
• Katharine Nutman – William Edwards Secondary School

Education leader of the year – sponsored by Port of Tilbury

• Dan George – Lansdowne and Tilbury Pioneer Academies
• Collette Hunnisett – Olive AP Academy
• Christina Pumfrey – South West Essex Community Education Trust
• Sue Weston – ORTU Sixth Form Centre

Going the extra mile (GEM) award – sponsored by H W Wilson Ltd

• Stephan Sanger – Dilkes Academy
• Staff Team – Beacon Hill Academy
• Amanda Wood – William Edwards Secondary School
• Rose Wright and the Catering Team – Ormiston Park Academy

For more information on this year's Education Awards visit thurrock.gov.uk/education-awards.