OUR Special School Pupil winner is the one who has impressed the judges the most by achieving what was thought impossible for them or by simply putting a smile on the face of those around them.

Last year’s winner, Thomas Palmowski of Broadfield Specialist School, Oswaldtwistle, was a great example of a teenager who had thrived in education, both academically and socially.

Teachers spoke of how he arrived as a timid youngster and had grown into a ‘thoughtful young adult’ – a truly worthwhile winner.

We received lots of nominations for youngsters who had similarly achieved things in their lives and the category proved one of the toughest to judge as all the nominees had overcome one challenge or another.

It might be that your nominee this year has academically achieved over and above what was expected of them or has helped improve the lives of others.

Judges will be looking for personal qualities and also that that he/she is keen and willing to get involved in all types of different school activities and perhaps shone while learning a new skill.

The category is sponsored by Keystage Teacher Supply.

Managing director Jane Scott explained the importance of their chosen category.

“Key Stage Teacher supply has always put at the centre of our business the need to provide the best service to our customers. Consequently the end users are the pupils who deserve the best provision possible to make the most of the short time available in the education system.

“Outcomes for the pupils are paramount, and this is more so, with pupils who have special needs and have additional challenges to face in school and in the wider community.

“This award is in recognition of those pupils who have accepted those challenges and have become a beacon of what is achievable,” she said.

Nominations can come from teachers, governors, parents, other pupils (with parental approval) or anyone who believes they know of a five to 18-year-old who deserves to be recognised in this category.