The Daily Echo will shortly be announcing this year’s winners of the Daily Echo School Awards supported by our headline sponsor, United Taxis.

Following a two-year hiatus, the awards have returned with a bang and we have received record nominations for hundreds of worthy teaching and support staff.

We are also delighted to announce New Milton Sand and Ballast as sponsor of the STEM teacher of the year category.

Rob Flower, managing director of New Milton Sand and Ballast, said: “NMSB is proud to be sponsoring the STEM Teacher of the Year category as part of the School Awards 2022.

"During a relentless and challenging period, teachers maintained as normal a working environment as they could, showing their unyielding commitment to ensure local children learn.

 “As a producer of vital minerals, this award category is particularly important to us. We want to encourage more children to look to the STEM industries as a career as it has many opportunities."

Vicki Solly and Sharon Golding of Supply Tree Recruitment have chosen to sponsor the Primary School Teacher of the Year category.

They said: "Supply Tree Recruitment are proud to be the sponsors of the Primary School Teacher of the year category.

"We believe there are so many talented teachers that go above and beyond every single day.

"We feel privileged to be part of recognising and rewarding those amazing people who make such a massive difference to the lives of Dorset children."