AFTER nominations poured in for the county’s greatest achievers in education – we have picked our shortlist.

The Youth in Action Education Awards are just days away, and the finalists gunning for the top gongs have been announced. Those shortlisted will gather at The County Ground in Eaton Road, Hove, on Sunday, June 14 when the cream of the county’s crop will enjoy an award ceremony.

This year there are 15 awards up for grabs and managing director of The Argus Dawn Sweeney said: “The final preparations are all coming together now, so we’re really excited about the event this year.

“We’ve got an amazing venue and amazing candidates – hopefully that will result in an amazing day.

“We’re really proud to be able to put these awards on and show everyone the amazing work that goes on in our schools and clubs.”

Editor of The Argus Mike Gilson is keen to see the unsung heroes in the county recognised.

He said: “There is so much unseen work done behind the scenes in our schools that goes un-noticed, and it’s our job to make sure they are celebrated.

“Year-on-year students churn out amazing results academically and excel on the stage and playing fields.

“So they deserve recognition for that. But so too do the people who work so hard to get these youngsters into a position to achieve.

“The teachers, assistants, technicians, coaches, support staff – anyone who has had a hand in the positive outcomes of our schools.”

The shortlist

  • School of the Year, sponsored by Spofforths: Burgess Hill School for Girls Junior School, Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA), West Blatchington Primary School
  • Pupil of the Year sponsored by Donatellos: Lucy Camsell, Renzzo de Souza, Eliza McHugh
  • Teacher of the Year sponsored by the University of Chichester: Annette Buttifant, Dean Flynn, Grant Lawrence
  • Headteacher of the Year sponsored by Hays Education: Wendy King, Zoe McGuigan, Rachel Simmonds
  • Excursion of the Year sponsored by the i360: Brighton Aldridge Community Academy’s (BACA) South Africa Trip, Brighton and Hove High School’s Ethiopia Trip, Dorothy Stringer’s South Africa Trip
  • Community School of the Year sponsored by Stage Coach South: Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Downlands, Varndean College
  • Against The Odds Award sponsored by City Cabs: Lucy Camsell, Keeley Wade, Natasha Wilcock
  • Staff Member of the Year sponsored by Check a Professional: Di Bonner, Lucy Clohesy, Phil Stock
  • Charity Achievement of the Year sponsored by Brighton and Hove Bus Company: Brighton and Hove Pupil Referral Unit, Portslade Aldridge Community Academy’s Social Action Committee and Cardinal Newman’s Mary’s Meals.
  • Academic Achievement of the Year sponsored by the University of Sussex: Tabitha Jackson, Yann Newby, Eve Rothwell
  • Musical Achievement of the Year sponsored by British & Irish Modern Music Institute: Matthew Heslop, Olivia Middleton, Tom Sissons
  • STEM Teacher of the Year sponsored by B and W Group: Qasim Haque, John Luton, Katharine Winks
  • Most Improved School of the Year sponsored by Carters: Meridian Community Primary School, Northiam Church of England Primary School, West Blatchington Primary School
  • Outstanding Contribution to Education in Sussex (STAR) Award: Rowlie Darby, Dawn Gladwin, Claire Webster
  • Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by Brighton and Hove Albion: Cassie Brewer-Wren, Peter Bullivant, Harry Shooman