A government prize that recognises gifted young people in the North East will be expanded to include talent in technical education, it has been announced.

Introduced by the Department for Education in 2012, in memory of former education secretary and Newcastle MP Ted Short, the Lord Glenamara Prize is currently awarded to young people from across the North East for achieving high grades and for giving back to their community.

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Technical education

From next year, however, the prize will also recognise the talents of young people in technical education, individuals involved in careers education, and the hard work of those teaching the next generation.

Nominations will be opened early in the new school year, with the prize-giving event taking place in the new year and set to be hosted by Durham University, with representatives from both Cambridge and Oxford invited to attend to recognise talent in the North East.The DfE is asking schools and colleges in the North East to encourage applications.

National recognition

Education secretary Damian Hinds said: “The Lord Glenamara Prize has led the way since 2012 in recognising the young talent in the North East by giving national recognition to those who stand out from the crowd for making outstanding contributions to their communities.

“The range of achievements of prize winners over the years shows just how much potential there is in the North East and this exactly what our Opportunity North East programme is determined to unleash, to raise aspirations for young people across this exceptional region.”

He added: “That is why from next year, we are extending the prize to celebrate more young people, including those excelling in technical education, and teachers who are helping to tap into the talent and potential of young people.”

Dr Lindsey Whiterod, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, and member of ONE Strategic Board, said: “We are delighted to hear the news that the Lord Glenamara prize is being extended to include students from a vocational and technical background. Significant prizes such as this give a tremendous boost to students and staff. Students and staff who are nominated are immensely proud to be considered for such a prestigious award.”