The Best Kept School Awards, held in June, is part of the wider Northern Ireland Best Kept Awards initiative, now in its 63rd year, with the Best Kept Healthcare Awards taking place in September and the Best Kept Towns and Villages announced in October.

Last year over 120 schools entered the Awards which include Pre-Primary, Primary and Post Primary School categories, across all of Northern Ireland’s Education Board regions. Doreen Muskett, NIAC President said: “We’re calling on teachers across Northern Ireland who are passionate about empowering and inspiring their students to make positive environmental changes in their schools and wider communities, to get their award submissions in as soon as they can.

“Our judges are looking for schools where pupils and teachers have played a part in keeping it clean, tidy and litter free. Where outdoor spaces have been enhanced and biodiversity and sustainability initiatives have been introduced to create safer, healthier and more sustainable places for pupils to work and play.”

Stephen Patton, George Best Belfast City Airport said: “Education and environment are two core pillars within Belfast City Airport’s Community Commitment Plan which is why it is wonderful to be partnering yet again with the Best Kept Awards in its search to find a school which combines both to make positive changes in their schools and wider communities.

“In the past three years, we have witnessed first-hand the phenomenal dedication that teachers and pupils across Northern Ireland have for bettering their school environments, and we can’t wait to see the calibre of entries coming in for this year’s awards.”

The closing date for the Best Kept School Awards is the 13th of March. The Best Kept Town, Village and Housing Area Awards close on the 17th of April and the Healthcare Facility Awards are open until the 15th of May, 2020.