Tonight’s the night! After months of preparation and weeks of careful deliberation by Hampshire’s education chiefs, the region’s most dedicated teachers and support staff will be celebrated in a glittering ceremony at a top Southampton venue at the first ever Daily Echo Education Awards.

A total of 27 finalists have been selected from the dozens of nominations, with three from each of the nine categories invited to don their finery for the event at the Grand Harbour Hotel.

Tonight we will be highlighting the incredible work done by the schools and colleges in our area - and saying a great big ‘thank you’ to all the nominees.

With sponsorship from award-winning Hampshire communications company Silver Link, the event will be one which honours the work done in the county’s education sector.

As previously reported the finalists come from schools across Southampton and Hampshire including Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, Kanes Hill Primary School, Crestwood College, Barton Peveril College, Peel Common Nursery and Infant School, Cantell School, Oasis Academy Mayfield, Crestwood College, Netley Marsh Infants School, University Hospital Southampton, Brockenhurst College, Thornhill Primary School, John Keble Primary School, Bevois Town Primary School, Toynbee Secondary Schoo, The Hamble School, St Anne’s Catholic Schoo, Peter Symonds College, Rosewood Free School, and Hordle Primary School.

Prizes will be handed out by Managing Director of Newsquest Hampshire Vincent Boni. The winners have been chosen by a prestigious panel including Councillors Peter Edgar and Darren Paffey, heads of education for Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council respectively, Jo Richardson, Daily Echo’s promotions executive and promotions assistant Debbie Bielby.