TOP teachers are being sought once again for Wales-wide awards which, last year saw Monkton’s headteacher take one of the awards.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, has announced the third Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

Pupils, colleagues and parents from across Wales are being encouraged to nominate teaching professionals from West Wales that they believe have made a real difference to the education of others in Wales.

Last year at the 2018 Professional Teaching Awards Cymru there were more than 100 nominations, 24 finalists and nine winners in a variety of categories, with Monkton Priory Community Primary Headteacher Shelley Morris winning the Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relationships within the Community award.

Shelley Morris, Headteacher of Monkton Priory Community Primary School, said: “I was very shocked to have won and delighted. It wasn’t an individual award, it was an award for the whole community. We aren’t just a school, we are all about learning from the age of two to 80. We are very proud to take this back to Pembroke and to continue our work.”

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: “Over the last two years, we’ve celebrated some fantastic education professionals from across Wales, all of which have shown passion and dedication to the education of others.

“Teachers are at the heart of Wales, setting paving stones for the next generation. We have a duty to raise standards of education in Wales to make sure that young people are reaching their full potential.

“In order to celebrate the achievements of those who go above and beyond for their pupils, we have brought back the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru for another year. Nominations are now open, and we would love everyone to take the time to put forward an outstanding teaching professional to recognise their achievements as one of the best in Wales.”

Nominations are open until November 30, with the winners being revealed at an exclusive awards ceremony in May 2019.

To nominate a teaching professional doing great work in your area, visit: gov.wales/teachingawards

A video of last year's winners may be seen here