A support worker who helps vulnerable children and a student who campaigns for greater awareness about mental health were among the amazing winners in last year’s annual Herts Advertiser School Awards.

Teacher of the year prizes went to Catherine Abbott at Redbourn Junior School for her “inspiring belief in every child” and Hilary Moore for her “exciting teaching style and enthusiasm” at St Albans Girls’ School.

Redbourn Infant and Nursery scooped primary of the year for its “great links with the community” and “refreshing approach to education”, while St Albans Girls’ School also won secondary of the year and Monkey Puzzle took the prize for nursery of the year for being a “place of fun and learning”.

Held every year, the free event is designed to mark the role schools play in the community and reward the efforts of staff and young people who are making an outstanding contribution to education, and nominations for the 2018 awards are now open.

This is your chance to celebrate your school’s hardworking and dedicated members of staff, highlight the achievements of the student body, shout about any innovative projects you have taken part in, and celebrate those unsung heroes without whom our schools would be much poorer places.

The winners of this year’s awards will be revealed at a gala evening taking place at Oaklands College on June 27, which will see schools and sponsors come together to celebrate the continuous achievements of educational institutions in St Albans and Harpenden.

This year’s awards feature 11 categories including Teacher of the Year (Primary and Secondary), Pupil of the Year, Sporting Achiever of the Year, School of the Year (Primary and Secondary), Innovation/Project of the Year, Special Recognition Award, Support Staff Member Award, Nursery of the Year and Unsung Hero Award, and we will be focusing on each of these awards in the following weeks.

Nina Morgan, editor of the Herts Advertiser, said: “A good education is so important to our young people and the wider community - after all, they are our future.

“There are so many examples of fantastic work in our schools, whether it be inspiring students or teachers who leave a lasting impression. We hope these awards shine a light on the dedicated and exceptional work they do.”

The deadline for entries is May 17, and details on how to enter can be found at www.hertsadschoolawards.co.uk