A WARRINGTON school has received a prestigious award for its work ensuring all pupils become ‘flourishing members of society’.

Pupils and staff at Padgate Academy have had cause for celebration after being granted with the ACE school of character mark.

The award acknowledged how all students at the academy receive a clearly mapped out character education programme, underpinned by the school’s values, and how this has been designed and embedded by the school.

An official report published by the Association for Character Education recognised how character education was playing a significant part in instilling a strong sense of pride in the school community from student and staff alike.

“Assessors found a strong sense of pride from staff and students, particularly in relation to the journey of transformation and improvement that the school has undergone in recent years,” the report stated.

“The assessment demonstrated that ‘Proud to be Padgate’ is more than a strapline, as it represents a genuine sentiment felt by many at the school.”

The report also highlighted the extensive range of extra-curricular activities, coupled with extensive opportunities for student leadership, and how these supported the character development of students who attend the setting.

It said: “During the assessment pupils were able to articulate how undertaking extra-curricular activities and pupil leadership positions not only developed skills, interests, and hobbies, but also developed character and values.

“Pupils shared how the personal development sessions made explicit links between enrichment and the formation of character.

“Students also shared how the application process for pupil leadership positions linked back to the school’s values, this has helped them to understand the importance of good character when becoming an effective leader.”

Padgate Academy’s principal, Adam McMillan, commented on the school’s latest achievement, saying: “We are immensely proud of receiving the quality mark in recognition of the work done to make character education a key strength of Padgate Academy. 

“Our aim is for every child to have good character – and that runs like a golden thread through everything that happens at the academy.

“Our aspiration is that all our pupils develop to be flourishing members of society where they have the values, skills, and experience to make a positive impact”.

As an ACE School of Character, Padgate Academy joins a select group of educational institutions across the country that have been recognised for their exemplary character education initiatives.