Three Wirral schools were crowned winners at the Educate Awards on Friday, 17 November.
- Birkenhead Sixth Form College won the Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College award
- Heswall Primary School took home the Outstanding Commitment to the Environment award
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School were crowned the winners of the Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Primary School award
The Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College award, sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University, celebrates sixth forms and colleges who demonstrate a wide range of achievements in A-level and vocational courses.
Birkenhead Sixth Form College, winners of the Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College award, impressed judges with its unwavering commitment to providing opportunities to every young person. The college draws inspiration from science and evidence, which is markedly noticeable in student success, including improved A-level achievements.
The Outstanding Commitment to the Environment category looks for schools and colleges that are making a significant effort to become more environmentally friendly.
Heswall Primary School captivated judges with its series of strategies, developed to enhance environmental commitment. The school introduced several initiatives to boost sustainability across the school community, including plastic-based pledges and food waste reductions.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School was crowned winner of the ‘Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Primary School’ award, sponsored by LSSP.
The school has made a conscious effort to incorporate sporting activities into everyday school life, with an evident focus on the benefits for pupils. St Joseph’s ‘menu of sporting activities’ is extensive and encourages pupil participation for those who may not have otherwise been interested in sport. Judges were impressed by the school’s ability to use sporting activity as a tool for improved mental health and wellbeing among pupils.
Ridgeway High School was also recognised on the evening after they were named runner-up in the Careers & Enterprise award.
Now in its twelfth year, the Educate Awards showcases the hard work and creativity in the education sector, from STEM and performing arts to sports and literacy.
The awards also recognise the individuals who bring schools and colleges to life, from inspiring teachers and dedicated support staff to strategic leadership teams.
In partnership with ASL and Ricoh, the Educate Awards took place at the Liverpool Cathedral and welcomed over 700 guests. The evening was hosted by broadcaster Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross.
Alongside the awards ceremony was a delicious three-course gala dinner and glittering entertainment from the region’s schools. Providing a soundtrack to the reception was Gateacre School student, Aiden Ellis. Opening the big event was Rainford High, which delivered a stellar performance of ‘Be Our Guest’ from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, followed by a dance and poetry performance from The Hollins in Accrington. The final performance of the night came from up-and-coming indie band, The Height, from Manchester.
Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said, “Congratulations to the Wirral schools that won at this year’s Educate Awards!
“A big well done to the runners-up and finalists too. Results this year were incredibly close, and judges had a difficult time deciding not only the shortlist but also overall the winners.”
Kim added, “The Educate Awards team is proud to champion the innovation, diversity and dedication that is taking place in educational establishments around the region. Entries will open again in February 2024, and we encourage all types of schools and colleges to submit as many entries as they like, for free.”
Lead image: Birkenhead Sixth Form College
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook, Twitter, and Threads? You can also send story ideas or letters to the editor to news@birkenhead.news