TODAY is World Teachers' Day so what better day for the South Wales Argus to launch our inaugural Gwent Schools Awards.

We want to celebrate the very best of all our schools.

In partnership with the University of South Wales we want to recognise the extraordinary commitment and dedication that so many school staff bring every day, be they teachers, further education lecturers, head teachers,teaching assistants or even student teachers.

We want to reward the innovation and creativity that goes into teaching every day in our primary and secondary schools across Gwent and recognise the value of the schools themselves.

Head of School of Education, Early Years and Social Work, at USW, Jamie James said: “What happens in the classroom quite literally transforms lives.

"As Gwent's university we're working with schools and colleges to give our young people the very best teaching and experience of education.

South Wales Argus: Gwent Schools Awards new2

"We're playing our part by bringing our teacher training together in our Newport campus with early years, social work, therapies, and the related professional disciplines that teachers work with in the real world. It's thriving, and by partnering with schools and councils to give our teachers the very best facilities and professional opportunities, we're working across Gwent to drive up standards.

"The Argus's Gwent School Awards initiative celebrates the best, and we're proud to be part of it.”

The scheme has also earned the backing of Newport city council leader Debbie Wilcox who said: “It is fantastic that the South Wales Argus has launched these awards to recognise the achievements of local teachers.

We have many inspirational teachers and first class schools in the city and I know, as a former teacher myself, that they do an amazing job despite the ever increasing demands and pressures they face.

“Teachers can have a significant impact on pupils not just while they are at school but on the choices they make throughout their lives. I’m sure many pupils and parents will take this opportunity to thank them by nominating them for one of these awards.”

From today we are seeking nominations from schools, parents, pupils, the local education authority - in fact anyone who wants to nominate a school, a teacher, teaching assistant or college lecturer in 16 different categories.

We also want to see entries about schools or teachers who go above and beyond, who break down barriers and who get involved in their community.

Award winners will be announced at a special presentation evening in January. To nominate visit southwalesargus.co.uk/gwentschoolsawards and just fill out the form. Entry is free.

The categories are:

  • Head teacher of the year
  • Primary teacher of the year
  • Secondary teacher of the year 
  • FE lecturer of the year
  • Teaching assistant of the year
  • Student teacher of the year
  • Lifetime achievement award
  • Creativity and Innovation award
  • Above and beyond award
  • Breaking down barriers award
  • Primary school of the year
  • Secondary school of the year
  • School of the year

Normal Argus competition rules apply.