Golden Apple Awards 2014: The shortlist

Inspirational teachers and lecturers to outstanding students, support staff and education settings, will all be honoured in the Mail's inaugural Golden Apple Awards.

Today, the Mail reveals the shortlist of entries from dozens of nominations.

Each is recognised for excellence and outstanding work from schools and individuals.

Our shortlisted nominees will be at the Guildhall on Thursday, December 4, for an awards ceremony honouring their commitment and praising their outstanding work.

With ten categories open to nominations, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, we heard from people across East Yorkshire about why their colleague, teacher, pupil or school was deserving of one of our Golden Apples.

Particularly heart-warming to see was the number of pupils who wanted to nominate their teachers, as well as staff praising their colleagues for the sterling work they do.

Above everything, there were some superb examples of people going above and beyond their duties.

Neil Hodgkinson, Hull Daily Mail editor, said: "No other public service is more emotional, more analysed and more discussed by the public and politicians.

"No other sector is criticised and maligned by people who often should know better. In our opinion, no other key ingredient to the wellbeing of our society deserves a night of simple celebration than education.

"Most importantly, this is about the people – not Ofsted results or Key Stages.

"We spoke to people involved in teaching and that was the resounding advice we received – and expected.

"This is about the pupils and students from primary to colleges and university.

"This is a showcase for talents. It is about those teachers and teaching assistants who show unstinting devotion to helping build not only the future of Hull and East Riding but the future prospects of our country.

"Without bright kids we do not have a future."

The quality of entries gave our judging panel a tough time.

Our line-up of judges included Paul Sewell, managing director of Sewell Group, the awards lead sponsor, Gary Warke, chief executive of Hull College and Jay Trivedy, principal of Wyke College.

Judges spent more than three hours deliberating a range of high- quality nominations.

Among the finalists are the staff and students whose dedication shone.

Entries reflected the affection, respect and love for those working in East Yorkshire's schools, as well as the tenacity, drive, enthusiasm, skill and ability shown by students of all ages.

In the next few pages, there are stories of those going the extra mile to help pupils, of schools demonstrating outstanding practices in the arts and sport, youngsters showing their enterprising skills and those who are achieving against the odds.

Each and every one is worthy of an award.

Dozens of entries were received for the categories of Teacher/Lecturer of the Year and Teaching Assistant of the year, reflecting the high esteem parents, pupils and colleagues hold teachers in across East Yorkshire.

After judging the awards, Mr Sewell said: "The thing which hits me is people and their stories in these awards.

"There are some outstanding people and many stories have grabbed us.

"We were not looking at the institution they came from, but for their individual special stories that leapt off that page and made us think, 'Wow, don't we have some special people in this city', and that makes you feel proud.

"What these awards are about are recognising this and celebrating this, because people deserve it."