This award recognises an individual mentor, or mentoring team, who has made an exceptional contribution to the development of trainee teachers. It celebrates those who go beyond expectations to provide high-quality support, challenge and professional guidance, helping trainees to grow in confidence, skills and identity as teachers.
The judges are looking for evidence of thoughtful and impactful mentoring practice. Nominations should demonstrate:
- How the mentor supports trainees to develop strong teaching practice, professional judgement and subject or phase expertise;
- The ways in which the mentor builds positive, trusting relationships that enable trainees to feel supported while also being appropriately challenged;
- How the mentor adapts their approach to meet the needs of individual trainees, including those requiring additional support;
- The mentor's contribution to a culture of high-quality mentoring within their school or partnership.
The judges will be particularly interested in mentors who:
- Model reflective practice and support trainees to engage critically with their development;
- Contribute to mentor development, collaboration, or wider programme improvement;
- Help to create a training environment where trainees feel a strong sense of belonging and are motivated to succeed.