Education Hero dedicates life to helping young people in need

The 39-year-old is one of the designated safeguarding leads at Penketh High School and caring for students and ensuring their safety is at the heart of everything he does.

He took on the role in January 2022 after working in Early Help at Warrington Youth Service.

It was in his previous role where he helped to support a vulnerable youngster during a difficult time.

She was a student at Penketh High School and when Stephen took up his new role, he was able to support her through her remaining years at school.

It was this young lady who wanted to nominate Stephen for our Education Hero Award - sponsored by Chester University - as a thank you for the endless help and advice she received.

Highly commended in this category are Birchwood Community High School headteacher Emma Mills and kitchen staff at Stockton Heath Primary School Michelle Withnall and Emma Woodall.

Education Hero Stephen Burke with Leanne Campbell and David Cumberland, Dean of the School of Education at Chester University

The nomination said: “Mr Burke used to be my drug and alcohol counsellor before he joined the school.

“He genuinely changed my life and is the reason I’m now able to write this nomination.

“I could go on endlessly about how he deserves this award - his dedication to help others, the countless times he’s saved my life - the list goes on.

“Thanks to him I’m now in college and I’ll forever be grateful.”

Education Hero Stephen Burke

Speaking after the awards, Stephen said: “I was shocked to be nominated but feel it’s a huge honour.

“It’s not always possible to keep in touch with past students but the fact that the youngster I helped as a counsellor and at school felt able – and willing – to nominate me, says so much about she is doing now.

“She’s progressing well at college and looking forward to volunteering with animals in the summer – something she always wanted to do.

“Hearing the amazing stories this evening shows that we are all part of a huge education team, dedicated to looking after the welfare of pupils and students in our care.”