The Becta ICT in Practice awards, backed by The TES, will recognise exemplary ICT practice among teachers, trainers and advisers with cash awards of pound;2,500. Each of the winners will also get pound;2,500 for their school.

Owen Lynch, chief executive of Becta (the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency), said teachers’ ICT skills were as important as investment in computers themselves.

Teachers will be encouraged to nominate their colleagues for the first awards, to be made at next year’s BETT conference. The scheme is sponsored by BT.

For the computer subsidy scheme, details are at http:cft.ngfl.gov.uk. Application forms from freephone 0800 036 6500. The Newcastle findings are at http:www.ncl.ac.ukeducationttaict or contact Sharon Mullen on 0191 2228592.