Regional awards recognise Leicester’s education heroes
The best teachers, pupils, staff and schools from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland celebrated their achievements at the LeicestershireLive Education Awards on Thursday (9 December).
Hosted at Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium, the event was supported by the University of Leicester as headline sponsor and rewarded those driving education forward with their enthusiasm, passion and support as well as the talented and determined young students.
Dr Elizabeth Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Leicester, spoke about the value of 100 years of education at the University and also presented the prestigious Outstanding Education Citizen Award. She said:
“In establishing the University, our forbears had a vision of an inclusive and empowering educational system, providing opportunities for all.
“Education was, and is, the hope of the future. The people of this city and county cared passionately about changing the course of history through the power of education. They did then and they do now.
“These awards bear testimony to the many incredible achievements of those amongst us. Those recognised are all amazing because of the impacts they have on people’s lives, and because of how they inspire and shape future generations.”
Natasha Boyce is a teacher at The Winstanley School in Braunstone and picked up the evening’s top award.
The citation described Natasha as ‘a true inspiration, mentor and role model for so many in the community. She works tirelessly to create opportunities for young people, encouraging them to use their voices and stand up against injustice. Natasha creates an environment where equality, diversity and inclusivity are a top priority, empowering students through authentic and enriching teaching. She is helping to create a generation of compassionate, respectful and proud young people who have a passion for being a force for good.’
The full list of winners from the 2021 LeicestershireLive Education Awards includes:
- Music Excellence – Tiasha Bhattachraya
- Science and Maths – Zoe Nakas
- Community Champion – Asha Goodall
- Apprentice of the Year – Cameron Meany
- Beating the Odds – Leo Shepherd
- Healthy Schools – Brocks Hill Primary School
- Sporting Excellence – Lorenzo Martin
- Inspirational Teacher of the Year – Brett Heathcote
- Newly/Recently Qualified Teacher of the Year – Somayya Patel
- Support Staff of the Year – Jordan Small
- Headteacher of the Year – Matthew Peet
- School of the Year – Braunstone Community Primary School
- Student of the Year – Asha Goodall
- The University of Leicester’s Outstanding Education Citizen Award – Natasha Boyce