WEST Midland Safari Park's safari academy has been nominated for a Worcestershire Education Award thanks to its hard working staff and students.

The awards have been launched by us in conjunction with the University of Worcester.

The unique safari academy provides animal management and care courses to students aged over 16 and has been nominated for a college or Post 16 Provider Award.

The courses, which are run in partnership with Kidderminster College, offer students as hands on experience with animals, providing a route into the animal care industry.

Hannah Fox, lecturer at the safari academy, nominated the academy due to its recent successful results.

She said: "Last years results were incredible and the year before that were also some of the biggest achievements that the lecturers have seen.

"The animal care and animal management students have been achieving grades such as triple distinction stars and students have been accepted into their first choices for university.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The safari academy. The safari academy.

"The lecturers will spend time getting to know their students, they are not just a class and the students are as much of a team as the lecturers are together.

"The team as a whole work like a family and support is always available when needed."

Education manager, Nicola Anslow, said the team are thrilled to be nominated.

"Here at the Safari Academy, we have a dedicated and committed team of practitioners who have delivered animal care and management courses for the past seven years," said Ms Anslow.

"The environment in which we teach and the resources we have are second to none, giving the students every opportunity to reach their potential and succeed in a competitive industry.

"Over the years we have achieved remarkable results, demonstrating not only the great teaching we deliver but the relationships we have with students.

"We have many successful students who continue to keep in touch with the team, as their time with us was very memorable."

Nominations can be made by visiting the awards section on the Shuttle website to submit suggestions in one of the categories which range from Headteacher of the Year to Lockdown Hero.

Voting closes on Friday, December 17, and our panel of judges will choose the finalists, who will be featured in our titles.

The winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony in early 2022.

If your business or organisation is interested in sponsoring one of the awards contacts dale.godliman@newsquest.co.uk