Nurseries celebrated with launch of prestigious new award
Posted bySam Lawrence
Educate Awards, the North West’s biggest celebration of excellence in education, has unveiled a brand‑new category for 2026: Most Inspirational Nursery.
What is the Most Inspirational Nursery category?
The new award is open to private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries, school‑based nurseries and local authority nursery schools. Its purpose is to highlight the outstanding work taking place in early years settings. It honours nurseries that make a meaningful difference to children aged 0 to 4.
To compete for the Most Inspirational Nursery title, nurseries will need to show how they deliver innovative practice, present clear evidence of age‑appropriate progress and achievement, and demonstrate the positive impact they have on children, families and their wider community throughout the 2025/26 academic year.
Entries should showcase how a nursery’s overall approach has inspired and supported children’s development, wellbeing, learning journeys and early attainment.
Kim O’Brien, founder of Educate Awards, said…
“I am delighted to announce the launch of Educate Awards’ newest category, Most Inspirational Nursery. The introduction of this award reflects our commitment to recognising excellence across all stages of education.
“Nurseries play a vital role in shaping confident, curious children, and they truly deserve to be celebrated. We look forward to reading about the outstanding work being delivered by nurseries and shining a well-deserved spotlight on teams who give children the very best start in life.”
More about the awards
All 21 categories at Educate Awards 2026 provide a unique opportunity to celebrate every aspect of school-life. This ranges from outstanding teachers and support staff to exceptional educational settings.
The free‑to‑enter awards require submissions of up to 800 words, supported by a 200‑word summary. Entries are now open and close on Thursday 16 July 2026.
Marking a milestone fifteenth year, Educate Awards 2026 is supported by its valued associate sponsors:
The prestigious Educate Awards ceremony will return to the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on Friday 13 November 2026. It promises a spectacular event in honour of this milestone anniversary.
Testimonials
"We had a wonderful time at the Educate Awards. It was flawless from beginning to end. The lighting and decor was stunning, the food was delicious and the service was top class. The awards ceremony was a joyous celebration of schools and it was a privilege to be part of it. Thank you for giving us a memorable evening."
Rachael Chadwick, St Benedict's Catholic Primary School
"We are incredibly honoured and grateful to have been finalised at this year’s Educate Awards. The event was truly inspiring, the performances from all the young people were just brilliant, such talented artists. Being recognised amongst such inspirational and dedicated educational professionals is both humbling and motivating, and we are excited to continue striving for excellence in our work in providing an exceptional education for all our students. Thank you once again for this incredible recognition."
Angela Ogden, St Damian's RC Science College
“Thank you so much, I can honestly say on behalf of myself and the team here at CER, this year was certainly the best although I am sure I have said this every year! The Awards never fail to deliver and this year was no exception. The performances, the hospitality and venue were amazing and as for the gif booth, what good fun! To celebrate all things educational, and the hard work that schools and teachers do every day is so important to the team here at CER so thank you."
Elaine Berry, CER
“It was a great thrill to be able to share being shortlisted with the whole school community, most especially our fantastic children! I know it will be an amazing evening, we have, as a school, not missed one yet! The time and effort that go into the detail of the event itself provides such a boost to the whole education community in the North West!”
David Hird, Netherton Moss Primary School
“Well, what a night! You should be super proud. Congrats on a spectacular return. As I said on the night – would be our honour to support again next year.”
Michelle Dow, All About STEM
"We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening, celebrating everything that is good in education. It was an honour to be shortlisted and we felt very privileged to be at the event and obviously absolutely delighted to win! It must be a massive task to put on such event, but it was simply fantastic. A massive thank you from us all at St. Michael's, Widnes."
Paul Loughran, St Michael's Catholic Primary School
"What a fantastic evening the Educate team put on and to win our category made it even more special. The venue, food and incredible entertainment from students made us all feel very proud to work in the education sector."
Robert Myatt, Birkenhead Sixth Form College
"I am still in awe of the whole event. What a powerful evening, celebrating success, recognising talent, and an emotional roller-coaster. The whole evening was filled with passion and energy, and this year’s entertainment as you know simply blew me away! Once again it was a great privilege and pleasure to be associated with Educate Awards."
Lesley Martin Wright, Chair of Volair Ltd, Educate Awards judge
"What a truly special night, students and staff are still talking about it. Thank you for the support provided by the team, they were all brilliant and by far the best Educate Awards to date. You always make us feel so welcomed and part of the family."