TSL Education announced today that it will take over the running of the STAR Awards, the annual celebration of achievements in the further education and training sector, from 2011.TSL Education will take over the awards from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS).LSIS will continue to host this year’s awards ceremony in November, working in partnership with TSL Education who will be the media partner for the awards.
This announcement secures TSL's position as the leading support provider to the entire education community and will complement its annual TES and THE awards which celebrate the achievements of the schools and higher education communities.
Louise Rogers, Chief Executive of TSL Education, said: "Our THE and TES Schools Awards have proved a huge hit with teachers, lecturers and support staff. We are delighted to be able to raise the status of the further education sector by securing the future of the STAR awards. We hope to take the awards to a new level to ensure that the FE sector enjoys an annual event alongside those enjoyed by schools and higher education, and to continue recognising the achievements of all those working in the sector."
Alan Thomson, Editor of TSL Education's FE Focus publication, said "Our aim is to give further education, and the people who work in it, the national recognition, reward and voice they deserve."
David Collins, LSIS's Chief Executive, said "Not only does this agreement secure the long term future of the awards with its recognition of both the best in the sector and its unsung heroes but it also marks the coming of age of the STAR awards, becoming a mainstream awards ceremony run by a leading player in the education media rather than by a public body. It shows that the learning and skills sector is no longer the "Cinderella sector" but of equal weight to schools and HE."
To find out more about the STAR awards visit www.fefocus.co.uk
If you would like any further information about this press release please contact: Communications Manager Nina Iles on 020 3194 3266 or email Nina at nina.iles@tsleducation.com