The first nominations into this year's Golden Apple Awards have been received.

Early entries showcase a variety of talented individuals and impressive schemes operating in Cumbria.

They include the blossoming relationship between a Carlisle secondary school and a major engineering company based in the city which is inspiring young students.

Richard Rose Morton Academy, on Wigton Road, has forged links with Bendalls Engineering, which is part of the Carrs Engineering group.

It is allowing pupils to take part in extra-curricular car racing and engineering competitions as well as Lego building contests and computer coding sessions.

Several youngsters are also going on to enjoy work placements with the firm, having seen the potential career opportunities engineering and technology have to offer.

The scheme has been nominated in the "Best Industry Engagement Initiative" category of the 2017 Golden Apple Awards.

The awards, sponsored by the University of Cumbria and Inspira, are brought to you by CN Group, which publishes The Cumberland News.

Twenty different award categories will reward excellence across all areas of education and training.

Elsewhere the impact certain individuals have made on young people and others has struck a chord with readers who want to pay tribute to those who have made a positive difference to their lives.


Rachel Denwood, pastoral head of sixth form at West Lakes Academy in Egremont, west Cumbria, has been nominated by a student who describes her as "awe inspiring".

She is also said to be "like a second mother" to many of the 16-18 year olds studying there.

In south Cumbria, Kathryn Young has been nominated in the "Best Early Years Provider" category for her provision at North Walney Primary School in Barrow.

Categories range from awards for excellence in schooling through to higher education and categories to reward some of the very best vocational and applied learning on offer.

Awards for individuals, professionals, volunteers and community awards are available.

Nominations will be considered by a panel of judges.

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to attend an awards event at The Cube at the University of Cumbria's Fusehill Street Carlisle campus where the winners will be revealed on Friday, October 6.

* To find out more about becoming a partner of the 2017 Golden Apple Awards contact business development manager Pam McLeod on 01228 612237 or email pam.mcleod@cnmedia.co.uk .

* Nominations can be submitted online at www.gaawards.co.uk or email goldenapple@cnmedia.co.uk or call Megan Norwood on 01228 612231.

2017 Golden Apple Awards categories

BEST EARLY YEARS PROVIDER

BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL

BEST SECONDARY SCHOOL

BEST FURTHER EDUCATION PROVIDER

BEST LEARNING, DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROVIDER

BEST SUPPORT STAFF

BEST TEACHING ASSISTANT

BEST EDUCATION PROFESSION NEWCOMER

BEST TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

BEST EDUCATION AND LEARNING LEADER

BEST STUDENT

BEST APPRENTICE

BEST COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

BEST INCLUSION INITIATIVE

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

BEST EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN

BEST INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT