Tears and cheers for Warrington Guardian Schools Awards winners 2019

Following a successful launch of the Warrington Guardian Schools Awards four years ago, judges had to work their way through hundreds of nominations again this year.

The finalists were all invited to attend a glittering awards presentation at the Village Hotel on Centre Park this evening, Wednesday, where the winners claimed their trophies.

Warrington Guardian editor Hayley Smith said: “The Warrington Guardian Schools Awards are a fantastic celebration of the great work that goes on not only in our classrooms but also behind the scenes, with the help of parent teacher associations and the wider community.

“It is testament to the dedication of teachers and support staff that we have been able to build on the success of our first ceremony and make this year another night to remember. I would particularly like to thank everyone who took the time to send in a nomination.

“We were overwhelmed with supporting entries this year with more than 300 received in the lead up to the ceremony.”

DON’T MISS > For full awards coverage and interviews with the winners don’t miss our special Warrington Guardian Schools Awards winners edition, out in shops on Thursday, July 18

The Warrington Guardian Schools Awards would not be able to take place without the generous support of our sponsors.
Thank you to: Warrington's Own Buses, Warrington Borough Council, Bents Garden and Home, Eddie Stobart, Priestley College, 
Cheshire Living and Local IQ

Roll of honour 2019>

• 1 EARLY YEARS AWARD

(sponsored by Warrington Borough Council)

Culcheth Day Nursery

We were inundated with nominations for our winner – not only from current parents but also those whose little ones have since moved on to primary school – describing it as more of an extended family than a nursery.

• 2 COMMUNITY CHAMPION

(sponsored by Bents Garden and Home)

Assistant principal at UTC Warrington, Joe Varey

Simply inspirational is how this year’s recipient has been described.

Having embarked on a journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Andy’s Man Club, an organisation that helped him during a particularly difficult time following the death of one of his best friends, he has spent the past year actively inspiring young people to raise awareness and break down the barriers around mental health.

 3 CLASS/TEAM OF THE YEAR

(sponsored by Warrington’s Own Buses)

Year 6 at St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Orford

With no permanent year six teacher during their autumn term due to repeated illness, parents feared their children would fall behind in their most important school year yet.

But with SATs exams on the horizon and a new teacher in place after the Christmas holidays, the children made it their mission to work  tirelessly in order to catch up.

• 4 TEACHING ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

(sponsored by Warrington Guardian)

Seana Murray from St Benedict's Catholic Primary

Going out of her way to learn more about an autistic child's needs and how to calm him when frustrated, even undertaking a Makaton sign language course to be able to communicate with him, her dedication has been unwavering and the results speak for themselves.

• 5 UNSUNG HERO

John Darbyshire from Cardinal Newman Catholic High School

Having transformed their library into a hub of activity, our winner also runs a reading programme which has seen reading levels across the school increase dramatically.

• 6 HEALTHY LIVING AWARD

(sponsored by Cheshire Living)

Activate Fun Limited

From working with Warrington Wolves to deliver specialist physical activity provision for key stage one children, to running dance, baby massage and yoga sessions, they are leading the way in their mission to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity.

• 7 PUPIL OF THE YEAR

Chloe Roberts from Chapelford Village Primary School

Chloe was a young carer for her twin brother Sammy, who had significant disabilities and health related issues.

In January last year Chloe wrote to ask if Sammy could join her at her year six prom for a joint picture. We of course obliged and Chloe was thrilled that we could accommodate her request.

But this request was never fulfilled.

Sadly, two weeks before Chloe was due to sit her statutory assessments in May, Sammy passed away after a lengthy illness.

After the funeral Chloe returned to school, sat her SATs and showed all of us her strength of character, courage and resilience.

She was a role model to all of us of how to be compassionate and overcome the challenges that life can put in our way. 

READ > 16 brilliant pictures from Warrington proms night 2019

• 8 TEACHER OF THE YEAR – PRIMARY

• 9 TEACHER OF THE YEAR – HIGH SCHOOL

(Both sponsored by Eddie Stobart)

Paul Daly from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School

From mentoring each child to improve their standards and confidence to giving up his spare time to support their extra-curricular activities, he inspires every one to be the absolute best that they can be.

Neil Vallender from Sir Thomas Boteler High School

So passionate is he about his work he has sacrificed time with his own family this year to run extra classes after school and as well as giving up most of his Easter and May half term holidays. He has also spent every Sunday for the past few months giving all of his students the best possible chance of passing their GCSE English exams.

One parent who nominated him said her son showed little prospect of attaining a single grade at GCSE 12 months ago yet is now on target to pass. A total transformation.

• 10 HEAD TEACHER OF THE YEAR

(sponsored by Priestley College)

Emma Wright from Bewsey Lodge Primary School

An outstanding leader with the ability to see the good in every child and ensure they grow to be the best that they can be.

Ofsted inspectors recently praised our winner as being motivated and aspirational and it is to her credit that she has retained a stable staff for many years.

• 11 JUDGES’ SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

(sponsored by Local IQ)

Sue Kirby from St Margaret’s and Oakwood Avenue schools

Whether it is supporting charities and foodbanks, arranging fundraising events in order to buy medical equipment, or organising donations of pushchairs, car seats, clothing and furniture for members of the wider school community, most of this work is done in her own time without complaint.

• 12 SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

(sponsored by Warrington’s Own Buses)

Culcheth Community Primary

A place where all teachers personally know and understand every child and their families. Where communication is key and the head teacher is always at the gate to welcome everyone.

Their motto is ‘where learning is fun’ and this is clearly evident within all aspects of school life, from a community Easter egg hunt to an annual garden party.