SCHOOL'S out and if you're not quick you'll miss out on telling us why your classroom and learning heroes should get a top award.

While the academic year comes to an end, you have a further week to nominate those students, coaches, teachers, volunteers and a whole host more who have gone over and above to help you.

We know that this week is crammed full of trips, end of year performances, discos, proms and graduations so the closing date for entries to the 2017 Golden Apple Awards is next Friday - July 28.

The Golden Apple Awards, sponsored by Inspira and the University of Cumbria, reward and recognise excellence in education and learning in all its forms.

There are 20 categories to choose from.

Each one has been carefully designed to ensure whether you develop new skills and knowledge in a lecture theatre, sports field, community centre or playground - its impact and inspiration can be recognised and rewarded.

Categories include the Against All Odds award for an individual or group who rose to meet an exceptional challenge or overcome significant obstacles.

Learning and vocational training providers can also be nominated in a raft of categories as can employers who invest in staff development.

Cumbria's army of successful apprentices - the students moving from the classroom to the workplace - can also be nominated as can students of any age and educational level.

A panel of judges will have the tough task of considering the entries before shortlisted finalists are announced.

Some of those nominated so far include Westfield Nursery and Primary School in Workington, Emma Massey from High Hesket School near Carlisle, nursery leader Emmy Sealey from Carlisle, and the Skills 4 You scheme in Copeland which helps tackle high levels of unemployment by supporting those looking for work or needing help to upskill.

The awards, brought to you by CN Group which publishes the News & Star, are free to enter and anyone can submit nominations.

For a full list of categories and to submit your entry, go online at www.gaawards.co.uk, email goldenapple@cnmedia.co.uk or call Megan Norwood on 01228 612231.