The Teach Portsmouth Awards return to Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 12 June 2025 from 6pm – 9:30pm to celebrate the achievements of the city’s education workforce.
To coincide with the announcement, Teach Portsmouth has opened nominations online for the people’s choice award category.
People who live in the city are being asked to nominate a school or college staff member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Teachers, support staff, volunteers, head teachers (and other senior team members) can be recognised within this category.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
“The Teach Portsmouth Awards are one way we celebrate and recognise the city’s education superstars. The people’s choice award gives the community a voice and enables individuals to share their stories about those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
“We know there are incredible staff out there who support children, young people and families in different ways. The awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on those who make a difference every day. All we need is your help to recognise them.”
To nominate, people visit the Teach Portsmouth website to complete a short form. The form asks for the person’s name and school as well as a supporting statement about why they deserve the award.
In 2023, Michelle Chadwick, a teacher at Priory School won the people’s choice award after being nominated by a parent for the support she received for her child.
In the nomination, the parent highlighted how Michelle had provided support for their child with additional needs. Michelle was praised for creating a collaborative and inclusive environment, where everyone’s voices are heard and valued.
Michelle said: “I was overwhelmed and surprised to be nominated. It’s something I never expected, especially knowing that someone took the time and effort to put my name forward. It felt like a big ‘thank you,’ and that meant so much to me. It’s not something you experience every day, and I truly felt appreciated.
“Winning the award was deeply emotional. It showed me that I must be making a positive impact on young people and their families, which is why I do this work. My family were incredibly proud—this recognition is something they still bring up even now.”
The Teach Portsmouth Awards is one way Portsmouth City Council showcases best practice across early years, primary, secondary and post-16.
The event celebrates the talents of education professionals and raises the profile of working in the city.
The people’s choice category is the only award that the public can nominate in. Other award categories open in the new year and are completed by senior school representatives.
For those who plan to nominate someone in the people’s choice award category, they are encouraged to provide examples of how the individual has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
This information will be reviewed by a shortlisting panel made up of local education experts in April 2025.
The deadline for entries is Friday 20 December. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in 2025. For more information and to nominate, visit teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards.