With just over two weeks to go until the Tes Schools Awards, nominees and their local MPs have gathered for afternoon tea in central London today.

The pre-ceremony event at the Houses of Parliament is being hosted by Lucy Powell MP and Tes editor Ann Mroz.

Jane Nolan, executive principal of Ormiston South Parade Academy in Grimsby, has been shortlisted for headteacher of the year. Speaking to Tes from today’s event, she said: “It’s very exciting and a huge honour.”

Ms Nolan, who has been leading Ormiston South Parade for four years, added: “It is my first headship and our pupils do face a lot of challenges, but they are amazing pupils.”

Jon Cooper, of Redmaids High School in Bristol, said it was fantastic to be shortlisted for the international award. “We are an all girls’ school and I think it is really important that our girls have this international outlook,” he said.

Students at the school have forged links with schools in Cambodia, Nepal, Uganda and Moldova.

Tony Berwick, head of Jubilee Wood primary in Milton Keynes, was at the event after the school was nominated in the innovative use of technology to influence outcomes category.

All 380 Year 4,5 and 6 students at Jubilee Wood have Chromebooks to work on and take home. He said: “It’s great to be here today. This nomination is recognition of a team effort.”

Innovation and commitment

The awards, one of the biggest nights in the education calendar, celebrate the dedication of teachers and other professionals working in schools and early years settings - and the innovation, creativity and commitment they bring to their job.

This year, the awards are marking their tenth anniversary.

Al Murray, the comedian also known as the Pub Landlord, is due to host the 2018 Tes School Awards at a glamorous ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday 22 June.

Awards will be given in 16 categories. There will also be an overall school of the year, chosen from the four winners of the early years, primary, secondary and alternative provision school of the year categories,  and a lifetime achievement award.

Last year, the overall school of the year was Broadford Primary School, in East London, which provides every pupil with opportunities to visit museums, galleries and sporting events. It also offers weekly Friday afternoon sessions in which pupils spend an hour learning a new skill, from knitting to a foreign language.

Lord Jim Knight, chief education adviser at Tes Global, said: “People are starting to realise that, beyond the wonderful journalism, Tes does a lot to help teachers find a job, find the resources they need and train teachers.

“That’s because we believe in the power of great teaching - and what better way to celebrate that than through the Tes awards.”

Well done and good luck to all of the shortlisted teachers and schools this year.

For more information on this year’s awards ceremony, go to tesawards.co.uk