The search is on for the kings and queens of the classroom following the launch of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2015.

Key partners showed their support for the annual contest by attending a launch event at Leeds Castle which will also be hosting the awards in May.

The awards are organised by the KM Charity Team and this week nominations will open to find the cream of the teaching crop in Kent schools.

Award categories include primary, secondary and newly qualified teachers, non-teaching staff such as dinner ladies and caretakers, and a volunteer award which includes members of parent-teacher associations and governors.

A panel of judges will select winners from each local authority area and the results will be announced at a prestigious awards dinner and presentation ceremony on May 19. There are top prizes on offer in addition to a limited edition trophy for every overall winner.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards celebrate the vital contribution that teaching staff make to our community every day.

“I’d like to thank our generous sponsors for enabling us to reward exceptional teachers for their expertise, enthusiasm and commitment.

“If you know someone who is going above and beyond for their school why not show your appreciation by submitting a nomination?”

A KM Group led collaboration of organisations has been staging these awards for more than a decade and this year the event has attracted a record number of supporters.

Organisations backing the awards include Kent County Council, Medway Council, William Giles Chartered Accountants, Christ Church University, Marlowe Theatre, Leeds Castle, CXK, Kent Sport, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Brachers Law, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, and the following departments at the University of Kent: School of Politics and International Relations; School of Psychology; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences; School of Physical Sciences; School of Biosciences; School of European Culture and Languages; and School of History.

For more information and to nominate, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.