The city’s school and college staff were recognised at an awards ceremony for the profession at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 12 June.

The Teach Portsmouth Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across 12 categories, while also recognising dedicated professionals who have worked in education for over 20 years.

Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said: The Teach Portsmouth Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellence in education, highlight best practice, and recognise the incredible staff who make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

“This year, we placed a special emphasis on community engagement, inviting parents and carers to nominate staff. Their overwhelming response led to a record number of entries in the people’s choice category. Alongside this, senior school leaders shared powerful stories of colleagues going above and beyond to support their communities.

The ceremony was hosted by local headteachers, Ashley Howard from Mayfield School and Zoe Killick from St Paul’s Catholic School and Nursery.

The winners were announced at the awards ceremony in the following categories:

Teaching and learning support award – Sponsored by the University of Chichester Academy Trust
Emilie Howard-Angreville – The Portsmouth Academy

Early career teacher award – Sponsored by University of Portsmouth
Lucy Bleach – Court Lane Infant Academy

People’s choice award – Sponsored by The News
Hannah Powell – New Horizons Primary School

Innovation award – Sponsored by City of Portsmouth College
Chris Furnell -Trafalgar School

Early years and childcare award – Sponsored by Home-Start Portsmouth
Lisa Harris – Little Creators Pre School

Inclusion and diversity award – Sponsored by Salterns Academy Trust
Kate Donovan – Ark Dickens Primary Academy

Community award –  Sponsored by Comserv Property Services
City of Portsmouth College – ESOL team

Unsung hero award – Sponsored by Humly
Tracy Barker – Priory School

Volunteer award – Sponsored by Nation Radio
Andrew Beecher – Admiral Lord Nelson School

Wellbeing award – Sponsored by My Happy Minds
Sharon Hartt and Jasmine Hewett – Highbury Primary School

Outstanding contribution award – Sponsored by HSDC
Llewela Ann Thomas – Court Lane Infant School

In addition, 43 people received long service awards for 20 years of service to the city. There is no overall winner in this category and everyone receives a trophy.

Two new categories were introduced to recognise different initiatives that enable pupils to thrive.

The volunteer award category showcased individuals who give their time for free using their own life experiences to support pupils in different ways. The community award highlighted partnership working between schools, colleges and other organisations.

Andrew Beecher won the volunteer award supporting pupils in gardening club at Admiral Lord Nelson School.

The judges said that he enables pupils to learn new life skills and helps foster self-belief. Andrew said: I was blown away when I was nominated as it was unexpected. The journey from being shortlisted to winning has been a rollercoaster ride but one I have enjoyed immensely.

“Winning the award is also a recognition for the pupils I work with. Their efforts are my successes too. I would like to thank everyone who put me forward for the award – it has given me a real boost.

Sharon Hartt and Jasmine Hewett were joint winners for the wellbeing award for their work supporting families with bereavement. As a result of their efforts, Highbury Primary School is one of only three schools in Hampshire to be awarded ‘Simon Says Champion Status.’

The shortlisting panel said their efforts to train staff to help bereaved families was inspirational. Sharon said: It was an honour to win the award on the night. Wellbeing in schools has become more important.

Our work as Simon Says Champions has been a collaborative effort with staff across the school. Winning the award showcases the impact this is having across our community.”

The Teach Portsmouth website has been updated to include information on the winners and shortlist. Visit: www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards