FINALISTS have been announced for a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating all the best of education across the county.

Hundreds of nominations have been whittled down by a panel of esteemed judged to create the shortlist for this year's Newsquest Golden Apple Awards.

Speaking previously about the shortlisting, chair of judges, Cherry Tingle, CEO of Energy Coast UTC, said: "It was a great pleasure, and honour, to judge this year’s Golden Apple Education Awards for Cumbria.

"This year we had almost 250 nominations in 13 different categories – with 46 nominations in one category alone! The nominations covered all areas of education and we had nominations from a range of staff, students, parents and members of the public."

Joy Yates, Regional Editor for Newsquest Cumbria speaks at the awardsJoy Yates, Regional Editor for Newsquest Cumbria speaks at the awards (Image: Johnny Becker)

The awards are once again being hosted by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with the University of Cumbria.

Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, Director of the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society, said: “It is always an honour to judge these county-wide awards and together as a panel we continue to enjoy reading the nominations, of which there has been a record-breaking number this year.

The room was filled with many from across the education sector in Cumbria at the 2023 event.The room was filled with many from across the education sector in Cumbria at the 2023 event. (Image: Johnny Becker)

“It is such a delight and so heart-warming to hear of the fantastic work, opportunities, impact and achievements being made daily in and across the county of Cumbria and beyond that are transforming and enriching the lives of learners, young people and children.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to consider and submit entries. At the university, we’re looking forward to sharing in the celebrations with everyone at the awards evening later this year.”

Winifred Radcliffe wins the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by University of Cumbria.Winifred Radcliffe wins the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by University of Cumbria. (Image: Johnny Becker)

Here are your 2024 Newsquest Golden Apple Awards finalists:

Against All Odds Finalists sponsored by NRL

  • Nikolla Taylor- Walford, University of Cumbria
  • Robson Mair, Autin Friars
  • Clare Dawson, The Whitehaven Academy

Guests at the 2023 Golden Apple Awards.Guests at the 2023 Golden Apple Awards. (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Apprentice Finalists sponsored by Lakes College

  • Lola Henderson, Eden Valley Hospice
  • Oksana Pereima, William Howard Secondary School
  • Lisa Ellis, Carlisle College

 

Best Early Years Provider Finalists

  • Little Monkey’s Day Nursery and Pre School
  • Littler Learner’s Nursery
  • Mother Goose Day Nursery
  •  

Best Education And Learning Leader finalists sponsored by Furness College

  • Andrew Keep, St Bees School
  • Matthew Squires, Inglewood Junior School
  • Nigel Youngman, Whitehaven Academy
  •  

Best Education Professional Newcomer finalists sponsored by Carlisle College

  • Evie Askew, Mayfield School
  • Patrick Relph, Cockermouth School
  • Lucy Hayward, Energy Coast UTC

 

Best Inclusion Initiative finalists sponsored by BAE

  • The Hive, Ormsgill School
  • Rebecca Morrison, Jigsaw Children’s Hospice
  • Carlisle College, Our Community is Your Community

 

Best Industry Engagement Finalists

  • Engineering Skills Academy at Lakes College
  • Whitehaven Academy, Raise Cumbria and The Knotted Project

 

Best Primary School finalists

  • Inglewood Junior School
  • Mayfield School
  • Clifton Primary School

 

Best Secondary School finalists sponsored by Carlisle College

  • Richard Rose Morton Academy
  • Mayfield School
  • Chetwynde School

 

Best Student Finalists sponsored by Cumbria Education Trust

  • Nathan Lee Cheong, Chetwynde School
  • Layney Nicholson, Workington Academy
  • Louisa De Freitas, Carlisle College

 

Best Support Staff finalists sponsored by Energy Coast UTC

  • Tracy Morland, Tebay Primary School
  • Ruth Wood, Ullswater Community College
  • Clifton Primary School Support Team

 

Best Teaching Assistant finalists

  • Helen Green, Ivegill CE Primary School
  • Louise Burton, Holme Primary School
  • Tess Bleasdale, West Lakes Academy

Best Teaching Professional finalists sponsored by University of Cumbria

  • Helen Finlay, Arlecdon Primary School
  • Alannah Savage, Workington Academy
  • Becki Cosh, Cockermouth School
  • Fran Dumant, Energy Coast UTC

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by University of Cumbria – Winner announced on the evening.

This years Golden Apple Awards will be held on Thursday, October 10 at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.

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