THIRTEEN outstanding winners have been honoured as part of this year’s Warrington Guardian Education Awards.
The annual awards aim to celebrate schools, nurseries and colleges across the town, championing pupils and students, teachers and assistants, and classes and teams.
We wanted to highlight everything that’s good about Warrington’s educators, shining a spotlight on innovation and best practice across the town.
We've put together a special supplement featuring all the winners, which is published in this week's Warrington Guardian.
Thirteen awards have been given out to pupils and students, teachers and teaching assistants as well as classes and schools and we also handed out an outstanding achievement award, an unsung hero honour and an innovation award.
We were inundated with nominations from parents and pupils and colleagues and governors in every category and the judges had some difficult decisions to make.
Gareth Dunning, deputy editor at the Warrington Guardian, said: “We are delighted to see the Warrington Guardian Education Awards make a welcome return for 2023 after a successful 2022.
“We were bowled over by the incredible response we had to our appeal for nominations, with dozens of readers getting in touch.
“It’s evident from the entries we received how much we appreciate our children’s teachers, teaching assistants and headteachers as well as their fellow pupils and students and support staff.
“After some very difficult decisions, our judging panel was able to agree on the 13 winners and each and every one is highly deserving of their award.
“They should be proud of their achievements over the past 12 months – and beyond – and these awards are in recognition of all their hard work.
“Congratulations to all of our winners.”
The awards would not be possible without our headline sponsor Warrington Borough Council and the University of Chester.
THE WINNERS
Oustanding Contribution - Val Bayley (pictured with Clr Sarah Hall, Warrington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services)
Outstanding Achievement Award: Val Bayley at Stockton Heath Primary School
We had dozens of nominations for Val who “gives children their love of reading”, “motivates and encourages every single child, every single day” and “gets the best out of the children she teaches”.
High School Pupil of the Year - Joe Dobson
High School Pupil of the Year: Joe Dobson at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School
Sir Thomas Boteler High School pupil Joe underwent brain surgery earlier this year and just two days later he was revising for his upcoming exams from his hospital bed.
It’s no surprise that Joe is our High School Pupil of the Year.
High School Teacher of the Year - Ben Large
High School / Further Education Teacher of the Year: Ben Large at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School
Nominations for an inspirational teacher at Sir Thomas Boteler High School came flooding in with pupils, parents and colleagues wanting Ben Large to receive recognition for all his hard work – one pupil said “he is a real life hero”.
School of the Year - Gorse Covert Primary School
School of the Year: Gorse Covert Primary School
This school is “amazing” with parents saying “everyone is extremely supportive” and “children thrive in an environment where the teachers really care”.
READ MORE ABOUT GORSE COVERT PRIMARY SCHOOL
Headteacher of the Year - Colleen Everett
Headteacher of the Year: Colleen Everett at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
“Nobody is more deserving of this award” – high praise for our Headteacher of the Year Colleen Everett.
Primary School Pupil of the Year - Harvey Goodman
Primary School Pupil of the Year: Harvey Goodman at Stockton Heath Primary School
Raising more than £27,000 for Alder Hey, Harvey Goodman is an inspiration to his friends and family and he is just seven years old.
Primary School Teacher of the Year - Danielle Walker
Primary School Teacher of the Year: Danielle Walker at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
“Danielle Walker is the best teacher around”, “this lady is like no other” and “Miss Walker has a special gift” – these are just some of the wonderful things parents and pupils said about our Primary School Teacher of the Year – Danielle Walker.
Teaching Assistant of the Year - Tracey Woods
Teaching Assistant of the Year: Tracey Woods at Bewsey Lodge Primary School
Tracey’s tireless efforts to support her pupils and communicate with them in a way that works for each individual are commendable.
Class of the Year - Owls Class at Woolston Community Primary School
Class / Team of the Year: Owls Class at Woolston Community Primary School
Day in and day out, these children work so hard against all their struggles, to progress in making friends and developing their communication as well as with their reading and writing.
Early Years Award - Alderman Bolton Nursery
Early Years Award: Alderman Bolton Catholic Primary School Nursery
"The ladies in the nursery are amazing with all the children and work so hard to make nursery a fun enjoyable place to be for all two to four-year-olds."
READ MORE ABOUT ALDERMAN BOLTON NURSERY
Innovation Award - The Schools Link Mental Health Team
Innovation Award: The Schools Link Mental Health Team based at Culcheth High School
The team behind a new service supporting the emotional and mental health of young people.
READ MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOLS LINK MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
Unsung Hero - David Beggs
Unsung Hero Award: David Beggs at UTC
David Beggs is “an exceptional leader” with “remarkable, unwavering commitment” – the perfect recipient of the Unsung Hero Award.
New Teacher of the Year - Amy Roden
New Teacher of the Year: Amy Roden at Foxwood School
Starting a career in teaching is no easy feat but Amy Roden is clearly making a good impression on pupil, parents and colleagues at Foxwood School and “always goes above and beyond in her role as a teacher”.
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