Education Scotland staff mingled with educators across Scotland in a celebration of the exceptional work taking place across the sector at this year’s Scottish Education Awards.

It was an afternoon of anticipation and excitement at the event in Glasgow, as over 300 practitioners, teachers and pupils gathered  to learn who had won each of the 11 award categories.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Education Scotland, was first launched in 2001 to show appreciation and recognise the talent, dedication and hard work that educators undertake, in and out of the classroom.

Gillian Hamilton, Interim Chief Executive of Education Scotland, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. She said: 'It was really wonderful to attend the Scottish Education Awards. There was an incredible atmosphere and it was fabulous being able to meet passionate and inspiring educators, to listen to their stories and also hear from pupils about the positive impact their education has had on them.

'No matter how old we are, we never forget the teachers who made a real impression on us as children. The ones who encouraged us, believed in us or who inspired us to find our passion in life. These awards celebrate those educators who have no doubt made a lasting impression on their learners and we want to say thank you.'

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth presented the Teacher of the Year Award. She said: 'As a former teacher, I’m pleased to be able to celebrate the hard work and success which takes place in Scottish education. Teachers have a huge impact on their pupils, and it is right to recognise those who bring learning to life by engaging and inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential.'

The complete list of winners and finalists are:

Community Learning and Development Award

WINNER: The Tannahill Centre, Renfrewshire

Jaclyn Kinninmont, Inverclyde

Conor Maxwell (Community Learning and Development Talks), South Lanarkshire

Parent and Family Engagement Award

Lochside Primary School, Angus

Lornshills Academy, Clackmannanshire

WINNER: Rhona Cameron, Perth and Kinross

Gaelic Education Award Sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Dunoon Grammar School, Argyll and Bute

WINNER: Ard-sgoil Sheumais Ghilleasbuig (James Gillespie High School), City of Edinburgh

Christina McGregor (Goodlyburn Primary School), Perth and Kinross

Making a difference (Early Learning and Childcare)

WINNER: Hope Cottage Nursery, City of Edinburgh

Hillend Children’s Centre, Inverclyde

West Johnstone Early Learning and Childcare, Renfrewshire

Making a difference (Primary)

Camstradden Primary School, Glasgow City

Greenburn School, South Lanarkshire

WINNER: East Plean Primary School, Stirling

Making a difference (Secondary) Sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

Arbroath High School, Angus

WINNER: Braes High School, Falkirk

Stirling Secondary Autism Provision at St Modan’s High School, Stirling

Curriculum Innovation Award

St Ninian's High School, East Dunbartonshire

St Luke's High School, East Renfrewshire

WINNER: Torphichen and Westfield Primaries, West Lothian

Digital Innovator of the Year

Randa Watt (Canmore Primary School), Fife

WINNER: Amanda Pickard (Local Authority), South Ayrshire

Coulter Primary School, South Lanarkshire

Teacher of the Year

Nicola Brooks (Aberdeen Grammar School), Aberdeen

WINNER: Patrick Walker (Turnbull High School), East Dunbartonshire

Colin Turnbull (Dunblane High School), Stirling

Headteacher of the Year Sponsored by Education Scotland

David Mitchell (Dunoon Grammar School), Argyll and Bute

Clare Harker (St Albert's Primary School), Glasgow City

WINNER: Fiona Mullen (St Andrew's and St Bride's High School), South Lanarkshire

Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER: Sheelagh Rusby (Local Authority), Dumfries and Galloway

Catriona Miller (Aileymill Primary School), Inverclyde

Margo Thomson (Robert Owen Memorial Primary School), South Lanarkshire