27 finalists chosen for first ever Daily Echo School Awards

It took our judging panel hours to whittle the 600 nominations down to three in each of the nine categories.

But BU journalism lecturer Andy Bissell, PR expert Julie-Anne Houldey and Steve Hughes from Bournemouth town centre BID have were finally able to pick their 27 finalists.

They will be contacted when they return to work from half term – for many of you this will hopefully be a nice way to start the term.

The 27 people who have been shortlisted, along with a guest of their choice, will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony at Bournemouth’s Cumberland Hotel on the East Cliff on Thursday, March 17.

Andy, who was a former news editor at the Echo, said: "All of the entries were so inspirational and moving in many instances and all of them are a credit to the teaching profession.

"What does come through is that a good teacher can profoundly impact young people's lives in a positive way."

Meanwhile Julie-Anne, who used to be director of marketing and communications at Bournemouth and Poole College, said she was delighted to be part of the awards.

"Teachers are the unsung heroes of this country," she said.

"It is a difficult profession and they don't get a lot of praise and these awards are a great way of showing that we appreciate all the hard work they do."

The aim of the awards is to celebrate not only teachers and school leaders but all the support staff who go the extra mile to enhance the education of young people across Dorset and its borders.

Steve, who was former editor of York Press, added: "It's been a pleasure to take part in the judging process and see so many wonderful stories.

"There's no better showcase for the quality of teaching in the Dorset area than these awards."

Each nominee will receive a free ticket and a plus one and any additional tickets can be purchased by family, friends and colleagues who want to support you on the night.

Tickets for the event are now on sale and are priced at £45 or tables of 10 for £395. Call 01202 411233 or email anna.zienkovicz@bournemouthecho.co.uk.

The awards have also struck a chord with two local businesses which have signed up as partners for the competition.

Global education company School Business Services Ltd (SBS), which has its head office in Poole, provides professional services to schools across the UK and overseas.

And Poole’s newest music emporium Freestyle, guitars and accessories in Holton Heath Trading Park is also a partner for the awards.

• Vocalzone Throat Pastilles is the latest business to sign up to sponsor one of the awards on the night.

The Broadstone-based company, which is part of Kestrel Medical Ltd, will be sponsoring the Leadership Award.

Managing director Ian Ponsford said: "Dedication, knowledge, enthusiasm and a clear and healthy voice are the key attributes of a successful teacher.

"Without the latter, any teacher will struggle to make a difference and yet during training, teachers receive virtually no training on how to look after and care for their voice.

"That is why Vocalzone is delighted to be supporting the Dorset Teachers Award.

"Vocalzone is the only licensed medicine recommended for relieving throat irritation or dryness that may occur if you have been talking or singing excessively.

"It has been helping voice professionals for over 100 years and we look forward to continuing our campaign of support for Dorset Teachers over the coming years."

There’s still a chance to get involved by sponsoring an individual award. Call Angela Boyer on 01202 411221.