HUNDREDS from across the education sector gathered to celebrate all the best of Cumbria's teachers, pupils, schools and support staff at a glitzy awards event.

Hosted by Newsquest Cumbria in association with the University of Cumbria, the Golden Apple Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, October 10 at Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.

Attendees gathered for the celebration event hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria breakfast show host Mike Zeller - with the pride of all the finalists shining through on the evening.

Dr Jonathan Eaton Pro Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, University of Cumbria.Dr Jonathan Eaton, pro vice chancellor for learning and teaching, University of Cumbria. (Image: Jonathan Becker) University pro vice chancellor (learning and teaching) Dr Jonathan Eaton said: “As Cumbria’s university, we’re delighted to celebrate the contributions and impact of so many across our region and beyond, and recognise the transformative power of education.

"The Golden Apple Awards illustrate how privileged we, who work within education, training and skills, are. We are proud to help honour the difference that educators make in so many lives. Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s awards."

He added the awards were "a fantastic and moving celebration of education, training and skills happening in and for Cumbria.”

Host Mike Zeller and Newsquest Cumbria Editor Joy Yates take a selfie with the attendee's on the evening.Host Mike Zeller and Newsquest Cumbria Editor Joy Yates take a selfie with the attendees on the evening. (Image: Jonathan Becker)

Here are your Golden Apple Award winners for 2024:

AGAINST ALL ODDS - Sponsored by NRL

  • Nikolla Taylor-Walford

BEST APPRENTICE - Sponsored by Lakes College

  • Oksana Pereima

BEST EARLY YEARS PROVIDER

  • Little Learners Nursery

BEST EDUCATION AND LEARNING LEADER - Sponsored by Furness College

  • Nigel Youngman

BEST EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL NEWCOMER - Sponsored by Carlisle College

  • Evie Askew

BEST INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

  • Energy Coast UTC

BEST INCLUSION INITIATIVE - Sponsored by BAE

  • Carlisle College

BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL

  • Clifton Primary School

BEST SECONDARY SCHOOL - Sponsored by Carlisle College

  • Richard Rose Morton Academy

An emotional Layney Nicholson picks up the Student of the Year award.An emotional Layney Nicholson picks up the Student of the Year award. (Image: Jonathan Becker)

BEST STUDENT - Sponsored by Cumbria Education Trust

  • Layney Nicholson

BEST SUPPORT STAFF - Sponsored by Energy Coast UTC

  • Ruth Wood

BEST TEACHING ASSISTANT

  • Helen Green

BEST TEACHING PROFESSIONAL - Sponsored by University of Cumbria

  • Helen Finlay

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Sponsored by University of Cumbria

  • Bernadette Jones

The moment Bernadette Jones found out she had won The Lifetime Achievement Award.The moment Bernadette Jones found out she had won The Lifetime Achievement Award. (Image: Jonathan Becker)

Joy Yates, Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, said: "The awards sparked a roller coaster of emotions and highlighted the incredible achievements of those who live and work in Cumbria.

"Thank you to our host, BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Mike Zeller, who kept the evening flowing beautifully and to Castle Green Hotel for the marvellous hospitality.

"And without the University of Cumbria and our sponsors, this remarkable event would not be possible."

Don't miss a special 16-page post-event supplement that will be published on Thursday October 24