THE BEST in the education industry across Worcestershire celebrated a year of success at a glitterng award ceremony.

Guests arrived at The Bank House in Bransford suited and booted to find out the winners of the annual Worcestershire Education Awards 2024.

Evesham Journal: Staff at Cherry Orchard Primary School.Staff at Cherry Orchard Primary School. (Image: BruceFosterPhotography)The award ceremony was held last night (Thursday, April 18) and 13 awards were given to some of the education industry's most dedicated and hard-working people.

Big winners on the night included Far Forest Primary Academy PTA, near Bewdley, which scooped the Community Involvement Award and Outstanding Commitment to Worcestershire Education.

Evesham Journal:  Suzanne Beston from Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School and Marc Baylis.  Suzanne Beston from Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School and Marc Baylis. (Image: Bruce Foster Photography)Amongst the winners was Suzanne Beston from Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School in Worcester, who won the Head Teacher/Principal of the Year Award.

She said: "I am speechless. I did not expect to win. 

"I just do what I need to do every day and don't expect any recognition.

Evesham Journal: Staff from Bishop Perowne C of E College.Staff from Bishop Perowne C of E College. (Image: BruceFosterPhotography)"It has blown my mind - to win this, I am very proud."

Lee Davies from Wychbold First and Nursery School was so speechless after winning the Unsung Hero Award that his wife, Elizabeth, had to speak for him.

"He is such a good person and does things naturally," said Mrs Davies.

Evesham Journal: Lee Davies from Wychbold First and Nursery School receiving his award. Lee Davies from Wychbold First and Nursery School receiving his award. (Image: Bruce Foster Photography)"He is so passionate and kind.

"The children adore him so much - he is incredible and works 12 hours a day."

Many winners from the night had shared how astonished and grateful they were to scoop up an award.

Evesham Journal: Rosemary Mcnamara (centre in pink) along with her fellow staff from Little Lodge Nursery.Rosemary Mcnamara (centre in pink) along with her fellow staff from Little Lodge Nursery. (Image: Bruce Foster Photography)Among them was Rosemary Mcnamara, regional manager from Little Lodge Nursery, who won the Early Years Education Award.

She said: "It feels incredible. 

"We do this every day, and don't expect to get awards for stuff you do naturally."

Evesham Journal: Presenter Julian Wharam.Presenter Julian Wharam. (Image: Bruce Foster Photography)Regional editor for Newsquest in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, Stephanie Preece, said: “What an amazing night it has been with so many incredible stories.

“Worcestershire is lucky to have so many dedicated, talented and caring teachers and staff in our schools, nurseries and colleges.

“Finally, I would like to give a big thank you to our sponsors who made tonight possible.”

Evesham Journal: Staff from the The Rivers C of E Academy Trust.Staff from the The Rivers C of E Academy Trust. (Image: BruceFosterPhotography)

The full list of winners is as follows:

Community Involvement Award and Outstanding Commitment to Worcestershire Education - Far Forest Primary Academy PTA

 Stem Project of the Year - The Rivers CE Academy Trust

Special Education Needs (senco) Award - Sarah Burnell from Nunnery Wood High School

New Teacher of the Year - Sarah Bone (Bishop Perowne CE College)

Teacher/Lecturer of the Year - Dr J McGowan (University of Worcester)

Head Teacher/Principal of the Year - Suzanne Beston from Perry Wood Primary and Nursery

Independent School of the Year - Bowbrook House School

Secondary School of the Year -  Trinity High School & Sixth Form Centre

Primary School of the Year - St Barnabas CE School 

Early Years Education Award - Little Lodge Nursery

Support Staff of the Year - Ailsa Deakin (Abbey Park School)

Unsung Hero Award - Lee Davies from Wychbold First and Nursery School