Published at 11:10, Thursday, 06 October 2011

MORE than 200 outstanding and inspirational figures from the world of education and training will gather tonight (Thursday) for the 2011 CN Group Education and Learning Awards.

A glittering gala dinner is taking place at Energus at Lillyhall, where the winners of this year’s “Golden Apples” will be revealed.

Nineteen trophies will be presented to winners in an array of team and individual categories.

They include awards for learner and apprentice of the year, to awards for employer of the year and for the best teachers, primary and secondary schools.

The most prestigious honour of the night will go to the recipient of the lifetime achievement award.

Judges Prof Peter Strike, vice chancellor at the University of Cumbria; former headteacher and education consultant Helen Armstrong; Sir David Hart, retired general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers’ union; and Kelly Eve, education reporter at Cumbrian Newspapers, deliberated over the entries in August before the shortlist of finalists were announced last month.

Stephen Henwood, chairman of the board of directors at the University of Cumbria, is giving the keynote speech at tonight’s event. The awards will be hosted by Cumbrian broadcaster Tim Backshall.

The 2011 CN Group Education and Learning Awards are being sponsored by Britain’s Energy Coast Campus and Invest in Cumbria, the county’s inward investment agency.

Other supporters and sponsors include Lakes College West Cumbria, Carlisle College, Cumbria Connexions, University of Cumbria, Furness College, Askham Bryan College, Riverside Group and Kier.

To see the finalists in the running for this year’s Golden Apple awards visit www.cneducationawards.co.uk

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk