Team’s idea for a social area lands second place in ‘School We’d Like’ competition

ST Gregory’s Catholic High School in Westbrook has been pipped to the post in a nationwide competition to scoop £5,000.

The Cromwell Avenue school finished second behind Salendine Nook High School in West Yorkshire.

Organised by schools insurer Zurich Municipal and The Guardian Teacher Network, the ‘The School We’d Like’ contest offers students and teachers the chance to improve their school by turning ideas into reality.

St Gregory’s beat more than 400 schools to the final where they presented their idea to a panel of judges at The Guardian offices in London.

Their idea was simple: to use the £5,000 prize money to create a social area in their school yard to ease the pressure on a currently cramped canteen.

Students designed a new seating area and an extended outside area for carol concerts, performing arts and family events to use outside of school hours as well.

Year eight pupils Rachel Sheridan-Warburton and Nathan Heaton travelled down to London for the final where they had to create their own front page displaying their school’s idea – wowing judges with their journalism skills.

Noreen Fawkes, acting head teacher, said: “St Gregory's community is extremely proud of Rachel, Nathan and the team of year eight pupils who worked together on this most ambitious project.

“To reach the national finals of such a prestigious competition is such an accolade.

“Students and staff relished the opportunity to participate in a wide range of experiences in London.

“We are sure this venture will inspire our students in creative planning and design.”