A charity that boosts youngsters’ potential is backing the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards to find the most inspiring teaching staff in the county.

CXK Limited, which helps young people to improve their prospects for education, training and employment, is supporting the Careers Advisor of the Year category.

Sean Kearns, chief executive at CXK, said: “We’re trying to inspire those who work in schools to inspire young people in the world of work. This award category is for teachers, careers coordinators, and teaching assistants who really understand how to link the world of work into the classroom.

“They raise the aspirations of individuals to look at careers that take them and their families - and future families - to places they wouldn’t necessarily have formerly considered. It’s so important that all young people get excellent careers guidance in order to get on the road to work and employment.”

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: “Helping young people to find their career path is vital for them to achieve reward and fulfilment in their future roles.

“I am delighted that CXK has agreed to champion this award.”

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

The 2015 Kent Teacher of the Year Awards will be staged at Leeds Castle in May when around 50 school representatives, including support staff and volunteers, will be honoured.

To nominate before the March 2 deadline, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk and complete the short online form.