Explore the 2026 Educate Awards shortlist and find out more about each of this year’s shortlisted entries.
You can also watch the full shortlist announcement video here.
Click on a category name below to discover this year’s shortlisted entries and read more about their achievements.
- Most Impactful Communications Award
Sponsored by CPMM Media Group
Carmel College
Carmel College has developed a joined-up approach to communications, spanning email, SMS, social media, video, its website, PR, newsletters and personalised outreach. A refreshed summer enrolment campaign sent over 13,000 targeted emails, achieving a very high open rate, while attendance at its October and November open days has grown at each event. The college also uses structured feedback to shape its communications and events. This approach has supported enrolment exceeding target for two consecutive years.
St John Bosco Arts College
St John Bosco Arts College has continued to develop its multi-channel communications strategy, combining digital content, student involvement and proactive community outreach. Over the past year, positive press coverage has reached millions of people, Facebook watch time has increased, and Instagram views have more than doubled. Students also play an active role through the school’s Student Editorial Team, creating student-led and community-focused content while developing their own communication skills and confidence.
Winstanley College
Winstanley College uses communications to build relationships with students, parents, applicants, schools and the wider community. Its weekly newsletter reaches more than 8,000 stakeholders, while targeted applicant campaigns have increased applications from key feeder schools. Since launching in 2025, the college’s TikTok content has generated more than one million views, with Facebook campaigns delivering an increase in open event bookings. Alongside its digital activity, the college works with local and national media, and has created opportunities for students to participate in events including the Makerfield by-election hustings and a BBC Question Time special.
- Outstanding Commitment to the Environment & Sustainability
Bidston Avenue Primary School
Bidston Avenue Primary School has embedded sustainability across leadership, the curriculum, pupil voice, estates management and community engagement. Investment in LED lighting, insulation and 194 solar panels has improved the school’s Display Energy Certificate rating from D to B, with projected savings of around 300 tonnes of CO2 over 20 years. Pupils also lead change through the Eco Council and Junior Travel Ambassadors, helping to influence school decisions, promote sustainable travel and support biodiversity projects across the local community.
Cheshire College South & West
Cheshire College South & West embeds sustainability within its inclusive curriculum, including through an Environmental Leadership Programme delivered with Chester Zoo. Learners on Preparation for Life and Work courses take part in conservation activities, create wildlife habitats and lead awareness projects through podcasts and presentations, while working towards a Level 2 leadership qualification. The programme combines environmental learning with employability skills, helping learners develop confidence, independence, teamwork and a stronger understanding of biodiversity, climate change and conservation.
Cowley International College
Cowley International College involves students directly in its approach to sustainability through a 30-member Eco Committee and environmental activities across the school. Green Careers Week reached all 1,500 students through assemblies and workshops, while pupils have represented the school at the St Helens Youth Climate Commission and taken part in biodiversity projects. The college has also invested in solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, and holds the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, supporting its longer-term work to reduce environmental impact.
Myerscough College
Myerscough College’s Croxteth Campus combines practical learning with environmental work through its partnership with Liverpool City Council at Croxteth Hall and Country Park. During 2025/26, 442 students took part in projects including planting more than 500 trees, monitoring wildlife, enhancing habitats and maintaining historic gardens. The campus also became the only college in the Liverpool City Region to gain Hedgehog Friendly Campus status in 2026, with student ambassadors leading work to improve habitats and raise awareness of wildlife conservation.
- Careers & Enterprise Award
Sponsored by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School’s Careers @ Cardinal programme brings careers learning, employer engagement and personalised guidance together across the school. Students receive weekly careers education from Year 7, with a particular focus on Liverpool City Region growth sectors. Its industry day brought together 50 employers and 22 education and training providers, while work experience participation rose to 98 per cent. Targeted support for vulnerable learners has also contributed to sustained education, employment and training destinations increasing from 92.5 per cent to 97.5 per cent.
Lakeside School
Lakeside School provides a structured careers programme for pupils aged five – 17 with complex SEND, embedding preparation for adulthood across the curriculum. Through its Futures Programme, pupils access qualifications and vocational pathways alongside employer encounters with organisations including Microsoft, Asda, Vinci Construction and Merseyside Police. College visits, enterprise activities and supported internships provide further experience of future pathways. Every pupil leaves with a defined next step into further education, training or employment, tailored to their individual strengths and aspirations.
Ormiston Chadwick Academy
Ormiston Chadwick Academy embeds careers education throughout the curriculum, helping students connect their learning with future pathways. Its programme includes career-focused lessons, employer encounters, university information and progression guidance, alongside targeted support for students who need additional help with their next steps. Through partnerships with employers, education providers and the wider community, students gain experience of different sectors and routes into further study, training and employment, supporting them to make informed decisions about their futures.
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Academy
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Academy places careers education at the centre of its work to broaden aspirations and support progression. Students receive careers learning and guidance linked to the curriculum, employer engagement and future pathways, with additional support for those facing barriers to opportunity. The academy’s programme connects young people with workplaces, further and higher education, and different career routes, helping them build knowledge, confidence and employability skills while making informed choices about their next stage.
The Academy of St Francis of Assisi
The Academy of St Francis of Assisi uses a set of clear learning objectives to structure its careers and enterprise provision. Students are supported to understand different career pathways, recognise the skills required by employers and connect curriculum learning with future opportunities. Careers activity is integrated across school life and provides access to information, encounters and experiences designed to broaden aspirations. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about education, training and employment.
- Outstanding SEND Provision in Mainstream School
Sponsored by SENDSCOPE
Anfield Road Primary School
Anfield Road Primary School’s Liver Birds provision provides specialist support for pupils with complex SEND needs through a nurturing, personalised and adaptive approach. The provision combines sensory-aware spaces, structured routines and communication-rich practice to support emotional security and engagement. Staff use assessment to shape targeted interventions, while teaching is multi-sensory, movement-based and responsive to individual needs. Strong collaboration between staff, school leaders and families creates a joined-up approach centred on pupil wellbeing, with parents highlighting the positive impact the provision has had on their children’s confidence and progress.
Cardinal Langley RC High School
Cardinal Langley RC High School places inclusion at the centre of its SEND provision, adapting support around individual pupils rather than expecting pupils to fit a single model. The school uses carefully planned transition, personalised support and works closely with families and external professionals to help pupils access learning and school life. Its approach combines academic expectations with pastoral support and seeks to ensure children with additional needs are understood, included and able to participate fully in the opportunities available across the school.
Croxteth Community Primary School
Croxteth Community Primary School describes its approach to SEND as ‘Invisible Inclusion’, providing support in ways that help pupils participate without being unnecessarily singled out. The school combines inclusive classroom practice with technology, curriculum adaptations and targeted support to remove barriers to learning. Its provision is designed to build independence and confidence, while keeping children connected to their peers and the wider life of the school, with support shaped around individual strengths and needs.
St James’ Catholic High School
St James’ Catholic High School builds its SEND provision around inclusion, high expectations and close partnership with pupils and families. One-page profiles help staff understand individual needs, while parents and pupils contribute to the design of support. Pastoral and spiritual care are integrated with learning, and staff adapt provision so pupils can participate in school life alongside their peers. The approach aims to combine appropriate support with ambition, helping pupils develop confidence, independence and positive outcomes.
- School Library of the Year
Sponsored by Portakabin
St Gregory’s RC High School
St Gregory’s RC High School’s Learning Resource Centre is used throughout the week for reading, learning, wellbeing and student activities. Alongside its book collection, the centre supports literacy, inclusion and student leadership, providing a welcoming space where pupils can read, study and take part in enrichment. Its role extends beyond book borrowing, with activities and support designed to build reading engagement and ensure students from across the school can make use of the space.
St Hilda’s CE High School
St Hilda’s CE High School has developed its library as a hub for learning, creativity and belonging. Led by a dedicated librarian, the space encourages pupils to read widely, explore new interests and participate in activities that support literacy and enrichment. The library is designed to be accessible to the whole school community, combining reading promotion with opportunities for creativity, discussion and independent learning, helping pupils build confidence and enjoyment around books and reading.
St Mary’s College Preparatory School
St Mary’s College Preparatory School has reimagined its library provision during 2025/26, creating a new Woodland Library for younger pupils and renewing the Junior Library with calm reading areas and updated resources. The changes form part of a wider effort to build a pupil-led reading community supported by families and local partners. The school has focused on making reading spaces welcoming and accessible, encouraging children to choose books, share recommendations and develop reading as part of everyday school life.
The Ellesmere Port Church of England College
The Ellesmere Port Church of England College’s library supports literacy, wellbeing, inclusion, pupil leadership and enrichment for a school community of 750 pupils. The space provides access to a diverse collection alongside activities designed to encourage reading and participation. Its work reflects the needs of a community with significant numbers of pupils with SEND or with English as an additional language, and helps make reading and library activities accessible to a broad range of students.
- Outstanding Commitment to STEM
Sponsored by All About Futures
Lakes College
Lakes College’s Engineering Skills Academy provides students with practical STEM learning linked closely to industry. The academy combines engineering education with employer collaboration, helping learners develop technical knowledge and workplace skills through hands-on projects and real-world experiences. By connecting study with local and regional employment opportunities, the programme gives students a clearer understanding of engineering careers and progression routes, while supporting the development of skills needed by employers.
Rainford High
Rainford High has expanded STEM across its curriculum and wider school life, with measurable growth in student participation. Uptake of GCSE separate science has tripled, while computer science participation has also increased. Students access STEM experiences that connect classroom learning with future study and careers, helping build confidence and awareness of different pathways. The school’s approach brings together curriculum development, enrichment and careers activity to give students more opportunities to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy
St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy has increased STEM opportunities across Key Stages 3 and 4, linking activities directly with careers education and the Gatsby Benchmarks. Staff have developed experiences designed to broaden pupils’ aspirations and understanding of STEM pathways, including opportunities to engage with employers in different sectors. The programme connects curriculum learning with future careers, helping students see how STEM subjects can translate into further study, apprenticeships and employment.
The Barlow RC High School
The Barlow RC High School’s STEM Club combines engineering, sustainability, industry engagement and student leadership. Its flagship projects include a student-led miniature railway and Ecology Corner, giving pupils practical experience of design, electronics, problem-solving and biodiversity. Partnerships with Network Rail and the Urmston Model Engineering Society bring industry expertise into the programme. Students take ownership of projects and develop technical and leadership skills through activities that connect STEM learning with practical challenges and the wider environment.
- Outstanding Arts in Primary School
Croxteth Community Primary School
Croxteth Community Primary School involves pupils across the arts through performance, music, visual art, drama and dance. Its annual extravaganza at Liverpool Lighthouse includes more than 300 children and an audience of over 400 parents, while termly galleries, choir, drama and community performances provide further opportunities. Arts activity is also used across the curriculum, including PSHE and history, and pupils take leadership roles in projects such as choir organisation, performances and the school’s diversity mural.
Fairfield Primary School
Fairfield Primary School places the arts across its curriculum and enrichment offer, giving pupils opportunities to create, perform and develop confidence through creative activity. Teachers contribute to arts learning across the school, with participation designed to be accessible to every child. As its provision has developed, Fairfield has also begun sharing practice with other schools. The school’s approach focuses on ensuring pupils experience creativity as a regular part of school life and can build confidence, enjoyment and self-expression through the arts.
Netherton Moss Primary School
Netherton Moss Primary School uses the arts as an important part of its inclusive provision, particularly for pupils facing barriers to participation. This year, its collaborative arts season brought together music, art and design, drama and dance. Activities included an open art competition, music concerts involving all children and a whole-school production, ‘Colour Our World’, which was imagined, written and performed by pupils. The programme was designed to give every child access to materials, performance opportunities and ways to celebrate their creative achievements.
- Outstanding Arts in Secondary School
Maghull High School
Maghull High School provides students with opportunities across art, performance and creative subjects, including work with industry professionals, educational visits, exhibitions, competitions and community projects. Arts staff also contribute to the wider school environment through displays, cultural events and celebrations of student work. The faculty works with colleagues within the school, trust and beyond to support arts teaching, while enrichment and performance opportunities help students develop confidence, cultural awareness and experience of creative practice.
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy offers a broad arts programme across music, dance and drama, with targeted support helping pupils from different backgrounds to take part. Events include the Passion Play, Key Stage 3 drama evening, talent show, battle of the bands and cluster concert, with students contributing to organisation, rehearsals and technical delivery. Partnerships with LIPA, the LFC Foundation and Scrapyard Studios provide further opportunities, while primary collaborations, community performances and care home visits extend arts activity beyond the school.
St Mary’s Catholic College
St Mary’s Catholic College transformed The Hatch Gallery through ‘People and Places’, a whole-school visual arts project featuring more than 100 artworks created by students from Years 7 to 12. Students worked alongside local artist, Kerry Dunning, through expressive portrait workshops, while projects inspired by New Brighton and Vale Park strengthened connections with the local community. Students took ownership of creating artwork, designing exhibition materials and presenting their work in a professional gallery setting, with the project supporting confidence, creativity and inclusion and leading to further opportunities, including professional commissions.
West Kirby Grammar School
West Kirby Grammar School involves more than half of its students in arts activity each year across music, drama, dance and visual art, including around 300 students who receive instrumental tuition. During 2025/26, students performed Legally Blonde to audiences of more than 1,000, operated professional-standard technical theatre systems and performed at Liverpool Cathedral. They also received recognition through exhibitions and competitions. Student leadership features through house music, technical theatre, dance captains, music captains and subject ambassadors.
- Lord Frank Field Community Partnership Award
Sponsored by Frank Field Education Trust
Essa Primary Academy
Essa Primary Academy builds community engagement through family support, pupil leadership and enrichment. Its Community Language Hub provides English lessons and multilingual support for parents, while Starbooks brings families together through multilingual reading. Essa Explorers supports families with babies and toddlers, and the school-run ‘Hope and Honey’ food bank connects families with practical help and wider services. A broad programme of enrichment activities also gives pupils opportunities to develop new skills, confidence and interests beyond the classroom.
Formby High School
Formby High School’s music department works with Clatterbridge Cancer Charity through performances and fundraising involving students, staff and the wider community. This year, school ensembles joined more than 150 voices to record Julia Fordham’s ‘River’ at The Arch in Southport. A further gala concert brought together four choirs and more than 100 performers, raising over £3,500 for the charity. Students have taken active roles in the partnership, developing leadership and empathy while supporting a local cause through music.
Maghull High School
Maghull High School involves students in community action through its Student Leadership Team and partnerships with local organisations. Pupils have supported charities including Zoe’s Place, South Sefton Foodbank and Know Knife Crime, while the school works with Merseyside Police, local councils and both Liverpool and Everton football clubs on responses to anti-social behaviour. Through its involvement in local school and community networks, students have also contributed to plans for the first Maghull Town Council Youth Council.
Myerscough College
Myerscough College works with community gardens, charities and social enterprises across the Liverpool City Region to combine education with community development. During 2025/26, 435 learners participated across 15 community sites, contributing more than 36,000 volunteering hours. The programme provides accredited horticultural training in community settings and supports projects addressing food production, social isolation and local green spaces. Many learners progress from volunteering to gaining qualifications, employment or leadership roles. Myerscough’s Community Neighbourhood Network also enables participating organisations to share resources, expertise and approaches to common challenges.
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Award
Sponsored by Carpe Diem Education Consultants UK
Fairfield Primary School
Fairfield Primary School embeds mental health and wellbeing across everyday school life, rather than treating it as an initiative or project. Its approach combines early intervention, therapeutic provision and whole-school support for pupils, families and staff. Wellbeing is considered alongside learning and personal development, with provision adapting to changing needs across the school community. The school aims to create an environment where children feel safe and valued, and where staff and families can access support when needed.
The Barlow RC High School
The Barlow RC High School places staff wellbeing at the centre of its workplace culture, an approach recognised through the One Education Wellbeing Platinum Award. Staff voice has informed changes including workload reduction, flexible working, enhanced leave and access to coaching and specialist support. A staff wellbeing committee also develops activities that build relationships and recognise contributions across the school. The impact is reflected in staff engagement and retention, and a workforce that feels valued and committed to delivering the best outcomes for pupils and their families.
The Manchester College
The Manchester College’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team combines targeted intervention with preventative support across the college that enables students to improve wellbeing, build resilience and remain engaged in education. Students who receive three or more interventions show a notable improvement in attendance and wellbeing. Each student develops a personalised WRAP plan, equipping them with coping strategies, support networks and practical tools, while the wider programme includes staff training, early identification, specialist referrals, academic wellbeing workshops, the Body Project and trauma-informed practice.
- Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary School
Sponsored by Liverpool School Sports Partnership
Bidston Avenue Primary School
Bidston Avenue Primary School embeds physical education, sport and activity across school life, with an emphasis on participation for pupils of different abilities and backgrounds. Its provision includes clubs, competitions, leadership opportunities and targeted interventions shaped by pupil voice and participation data. The school has achieved the School Games Platinum Award for the fourth consecutive time and works with specialist providers and local clubs. Its approach aims to build physical competence, alongside confidence, resilience, teamwork and positive long-term attitudes towards physical activity.
Roby Park Primary School
Roby Park Primary School uses sport and physical activity to support inclusion, health and wellbeing. Its provision includes free clubs, competitions, active learning, yoga, Forest School and targeted programmes, alongside Platinum OPAL play provision. The school was the first in its borough to achieve OPAL Platinum status and also provides whole-school onsite swimming for one month each year. Additional activities include affordable holiday camps, athlete visits and inclusive opportunities designed to remove barriers to participation.
Rushbrook Primary Academy
Rushbrook Primary Academy has developed an inclusive sporting culture supported by investment in a multi-use pitch, Daily Mile track, Forest School and a pop-up swimming pool. Pupils take part in more than 80 events each year, alongside clubs, competitions and specialist coaching. The school has reported wider improvements alongside the growth of sport, including exclusions reducing to zero and academic attainment increasing. SEND teams have also achieved regional success, with provision designed to enable pupils with different needs to participate.
- Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary School
Archbishop Blanch School
Archbishop Blanch School provides a broad programme of sport and outdoor education, with more than 310 sports club memberships recorded this year. Its athletics, cross-country and netball teams achieved success in the 2025/26 academic year. Inclusive opportunities included 19 medals at the Merseyside SLD/PD Athletics Championships. Students also develop leadership through sport with one Year 12 student independently organising a staff vs sixth form netball competition. The school also offers Duke of Edinburgh activities and partnerships with clubs including Liverpool Harriers.
Cardinal Langley RC High School
Cardinal Langley RC High School uses sport to widen participation and opportunity across a diverse school community. This year, it delivered 245 club sessions and 144 competitions. Its inclusive programme enabled students with SEND to represent the school in activities including boccia, panathlon and new age kurling, while a large number of SEND students also became sports leaders. The school leads the Rochdale PE Forum, supporting competition and professional development across the borough, and has helped pupils progress into representative sport.
Highfurlong School
Highfurlong School provides an inclusive sports and physical development programme designed for pupils with a wide range of needs. Its curriculum is supported by extracurricular activity, competition and community partnerships, with personalised opportunities enabling pupils to experience progress and participation. The school’s work through the Motor Activity Training Programme has led to recognition as a MATP Centre of Excellence, while staff expertise is also shared with other schools. The programme supports physical skills, confidence, wellbeing and participation across school life.
- Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by CER Education
Amy Green – St Augustine’s Church of England Primary School
Amy Green teaches children in the early years at St Augustine’s Church of England Primary School, with a particular focus on giving pupils facing disadvantage a strong start to their education. The school has reported that children leave her class and progress into Year 1 with confidence, achieving above national averages. Alongside her classroom teaching, Amy carries wider school responsibilities, combining these with consistent support for individual pupils and a focus on ensuring children feel secure, capable and ready for their next stage.
Bethany Low – Maghull High School
Bethany Low combines classroom teaching with pastoral and strategic leadership at Maghull High School. In PE, she uses approaches including student-led coaching and personalised challenge, while her work as head of year has focused on relationships, attendance and behaviour. As associate assistant headteacher for attendance and belonging, she contributes to whole-school inclusion, and she also mentors early career teachers. Beyond school, Bethany has supported the #kNOwKnifeCrime campaign through fundraising activities including the London Marathon and a 30-mile relay.
Lily Clark – Ridgeway High School
Lily Clark’s work at Ridgeway High School extends beyond her own maths classroom into curriculum development and wider maths education. Her contribution has supported teaching and learning in maths, statistics and other subjects, with a particular focus on inclusion and engagement for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND. She also works with Mathematical Education on Merseyside, creating opportunities for students beyond school, including mathematics masterclasses, while contributing significant voluntary time to supporting young people across the region.
Nicola Follin – St Mary’s Catholic Infant and Junior Academy
Nicola Follin is a highly respected teacher at St Mary’s Catholic Junior Academy, with a strong focus on inclusion, compassion and service. She adapts learning to support pupils with different starting points and has contributed to the school’s digital strategy, using technology to improve accessibility, engagement and participation. Nicola is also recognised for building trusted relationships with pupils and families. Outside school, she has become an advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness and early detection, including contributing to national media coverage.
- School Support Star of the Year
Sponsored by Apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University
Carol Robinson – Middlefield Community Primary School
Carol Robinson has supported children and families at Middlefield Community Primary School for more than 30 years as a learning mentor and deputy designated safeguarding lead. She begins the day leading a breakfast club for up to 80 pupils before providing pastoral, safeguarding and wellbeing support. Carol delivers interventions including ELSA, bereavement support and one-to-one mentoring, helping pupils develop confidence and emotional regulation. Children, parents, former pupils and colleagues have all contributed positive feedback about the long-term support she provides.
Helen Farrell – Cardinal Langley RC High School
Helen Farrell supports students across Cardinal Langley RC High School’s sixth form with wellbeing, academic queries, work experience and future choices. Students describe her as a consistent point of contact when they need advice, practical help or someone to listen, and she also contributes to activities including diversity days, fundraisers and open days. Heartfelt feedback from current and former students highlights the breadth of her support, from helping with subject and career decisions to ensuring pupils remain connected with their studies during difficult periods.
Lauren McCulloch – Northcote Community Primary School
Lauren McCulloch is designated safeguarding lead and pastoral lead at Northcote Community Primary School, supporting children and families facing a wide range of challenges. She coordinates safeguarding work with external agencies, leads staff training and provides pastoral support for pupils. Lauren also works on attendance, family engagement and community activity, including through the parent association and fundraising. Lauren is genuinely committed to bringing together safeguarding, wellbeing and practical family support to remove barriers that can affect children’s participation and learning.
Lynsey Disley – Notre Dame Catholic Academy
Lynsey Disley is a learning support assistant at Notre Dame Catholic College, where she has helped create a welcoming and nurturing environment. Lynsey goes above and beyond to support students, ensuring they feel safe, valued and able to be themselves. From having food available for students who may be hungry to offering reassurance on difficult days, her care is felt in many ways. Throughout the year, Lynsey has played a key role in bringing organisation, hard work and kindness to the academy.
Sharon Heller – Abbot’s Lea School
Sharon Heller supports pupils, families and colleagues at Abbot’s Lea School through safeguarding, multi-agency work and wider school activities. She is a particular advocate for looked-after children and recently nominated every looked-after pupil at the school for a Virtual School award. Sharon also coordinates an annual Christmas appeal for families, supports pupils with practical barriers to participation and continues to help former pupils after they leave. Her work includes safeguarding referrals, family support and her role as a domestic violence champion.
- Most Inspirational Multi Academy Trust
Sponsored by Satis Education
Endeavour Learning Trust
Endeavour Learning Trust has combined educational improvement with new opportunities for pupils and the wider community. A previous £800,000 in-year deficit has moved to a balanced budget, supported partly by a lettings and sports partnership generating more than £1 million annually. New initiatives include Endeavour Swim, an outdoor pursuits partnership and additional SEND provision. The trust also runs safeguarding and staff-development networks. As part of its ongoing work, Endeavur Learning Trust has reported improved attendance, a reduction in suspensions and outcomes above national averages for the first time in its history.
Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust
Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust focuses on collaboration between its schools, shared professional development, and support for pupils, families and staff. Its approach brings schools together through training, wellbeing activities and trust-wide pupil events, with resources and expertise shared across the organisation. The trust has reported positive educational, financial and inspection outcomes, placing particular emphasis on strong relationships and local partnership across Wirral. Its model is designed to give schools access to collective support while retaining a strong focus on individual communities.
QUEST Trust
QUEST Multi Academy Trust brings together four primary schools and one secondary school with an all-through approach from early years to employment. The trust has reported significant improvement across its schools, including combined primary SATs attainment rising from 51 per cent to 85 per cent. Its strategy includes early investment, a shared knowledge-rich curriculum, cross-school staff expertise, and employer partnerships designed to support pupils through each stage of education.
Rainbow Education Multi-Academy Trust
Rainbow Education Multi-Academy Trust works across Church of England and community schools in Merseyside, with a shared focus on inclusion, collaboration and improving opportunities for children. Its five guiding principles – People First, Better Everyday, Children at the Centre, Stronger Together and No Excuses – shape work across the trust. Schools collaborate to address barriers linked to disadvantage and support academic and personal development, with the trust’s approach drawing on shared responsibility between pupils, staff, families and school communities.
St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust
St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust has grown since 2022 focusing on five shared priorities: Christ at the Centre, Every Child a Reader, Ambitious Curriculum, Culture for Success and Improving Attendance. The trust serves almost 4,000 pupils and uses shared curricula, leadership networks, professional development and a trust-wide SEND strategy to support improvement across its academies. Its approach combines Catholic life, academic expectations, pastoral support and collaboration between schools, with staff development and shared expertise used to strengthen provision across the trust.
- Most Inspirational Specialist School
Alt Bridge School
Alt Bridge School provides specialist education built around individual understanding, belonging and high expectations. The school holds National Autistic Society accreditation, Gold Rights Respecting School status and a Philosophy for Children Silver Award. Its approach focuses on creating an environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, express their views and develop towards future goals. Feedback from families describes children becoming happier and more settled, with the school’s work combining learning, pastoral support and close relationships with parents and carers.
Green Fold School
Green Fold School supports more than 175 children with complex needs through a multidisciplinary team of education, health and care practitioners. Its work on augmentative and alternative communication has received external recognition, and the school holds National Autistic Society Advanced and Elklan Communication Friendly Setting status. Green Fold also contributes to SEND development beyond the school through local training, research and national initiatives, while providing pupils with residential, sporting and community opportunities.
Lakeside School
Lakeside School supports pupils aged 5-17 with complex SEND through a personalised approach combining curriculum, therapy and personal development. Pupils work towards GCSEs, Functional Skills and other accredited outcomes suited to their pathways. Preparation for adulthood includes AQA Unit Awards, Duke of Edinburgh and employer encounters with organisations such as Microsoft, Asda, Vinci Construction and Merseyside Police. The school focuses on rebuilding engagement and confidence, while supporting pupils to progress into further education, training or employment.
Presfield High School and Specialist College
Presfield High School and Specialist College supports young people aged 11-19 with autism through a specialist environment focused on individual needs, communication and preparation for adulthood. The school holds National Autistic Society Advanced accreditation and uses its ‘Thrive at Presfield’ framework to support wellbeing and development. Staff work to reduce environmental barriers and help pupils build confidence, independence and self-advocacy, with provision designed to recognise individual strengths and enable young people to take an active role in shaping their futures.
- Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College
Sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School
Cardinal Heenan Sixth Form combines academic study with targeted support, enrichment and preparation for future pathways. Despite many students facing significant challenges, staff strive to bridge any barriers to success through targeted social mobility programmes and a Sixth Form Scholarship, which offers up to £1,500 through bronze, silver and gold awards to support learning and personal development. Students take part in educational visits, volunteering, mentoring and community projects, and alumni remain involved through careers talks and mentoring, extending the sixth form’s support network beyond students’ time at school.
Myerscough College
Myerscough College provides land-based, STEM and sports education across school-leaver, degree, adult and apprenticeship routes. From its Lancashire base and centres in Liverpool and Warrington, the college works with more than 1,200 employers and supports around 1,500 learners through apprenticeships and work-based training. Its provision also includes a 14-16 programme that allows school and home-educated pupils to study vocational subjects alongside their core GCSEs, widening access to practical and career-focused learning before post-16 study.
The Manchester College
The Manchester College supports 12,000 students across six campuses, with a focus on progression, skills and widening opportunity. Overall achievement reached 91.3 per cent, while more than 93 per cent of students progressed to positive destinations. Students access enrichment ranging from creative projects and international visits to fundraising and industry experiences. Supported internships with organisations including Manchester Airport, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester City Council also provide workplace experience and routes into employment for students requiring additional support.
- Most Inspirational Secondary School
Middlewich High School
Middlewich High School has focused on building an inclusive culture alongside improvements in attendance, behaviour, academic outcomes and parental confidence. Programmes including Garage Enterprise, Grounded and Forest School reconnect pupils through practical and community-based activities, while curriculum pathways, international visits and leadership opportunities broaden experiences. The school has also strengthened partnerships with primary schools, churches, charities and local organisations. Staff development and wellbeing form part of the same approach, with coaching and leadership development supporting the wider improvement programme.
Tarleton Academy
Tarleton Academy has created a community where every individual feels they belong, with inclusion, togetherness and individuality underpinning every aspect of school life. SEND identification has risen, alongside the creation of its Eden SEMH provision and plans for specialist autism provision. Lesson removals have decreased, while nearly 85 per cent of pupils report being happy at school and every pupil identifies a trusted adult. Parent recommendations have risen from 50 per cent to 90.3 per cent, alongside consistently above-national academic outcomes.
The Birkenhead Park School
The Birkenhead Park School combines high expectations with programmes designed to broaden aspirations in the community. Initiatives include BPS University, Ignite Speeches, oracy, careers education from Year 7 and more than 75 educational visits in the last academic year. In 2025, the school achieved its strongest GCSE results to date, attendance moved above the national average and persistent absence reduced. Outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND have also improved, alongside the wider enrichment programme.
- Most Inspirational Primary School
Sponsored by Angel Solutions
Barton Clough Primary School
Barton Clough Primary School has transformed its curriculum and culture around a clear commitment to helping every child succeed. Its approach combines high expectations with strong pastoral support, creating an environment where pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning. The school provides a broad range of experiences beyond the classroom, while staff work closely with families and the wider community to support pupils. This inclusive, child-centred approach ensures children are given opportunities to thrive academically, socially and personally.
Chantlers Primary School
Chantlers Primary School has supported its community following the death of a former pupil in 2025, while continuing its wider educational work. The school has introduced PSHE learning focused on knife crime, gang awareness and safe choices, alongside a mental health programme using its Forest School. Community fundraising raised more than £15,000, and a wellbeing charter introduced over 34 commitments for pupils and staff. During the same period, the school also continued to maintain strong academic outcomes.
Kings Meadow Primary School
Kings Meadow Primary School combines inclusive practice with a curriculum focused on academic learning, character, wellbeing and wider citizenship. In 2025, 81 per cent of pupils achieved the combined reading, writing and mathematics measure, the highest reported result among Southport primary schools. The school has also introduced an inclusive playground, health pledge and trauma-sensitive practice. Environmental activity includes a pupil-created Recycling Army, a nature reserve and partnership work with Sefton Eco Centre and Ainsdale in Bloom.
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School has developed its curriculum and community partnerships over the past four years, working with universities, charities and more than 30 local and international organisations. The school reported its strongest Key Stage 2 outcomes to date, alongside an approach to inclusion described as ‘exemplary’ in an independent SEND review. This year, around 2,000 visitors attended its community exhibition. The school has also supported pupils and staff through a significant bereavement while maintaining its focus on learning, inclusion and community.
- Most Inspirational Nursery
Northcote Community Primary School
Northcote Community Primary School’s nursery places relationships, communication, inclusion and wellbeing at the centre of its early years provision. Staff work with children from different starting points to develop confidence, curiosity, language and independence, while families are involved in supporting and celebrating progress. The nursery’s approach focuses on creating a secure environment in which children can communicate, explore and build readiness for their next stage. Individual milestones including first words and growing independence are celebrated at the nursery, which is committed to giving children the strongest possible foundation in life.
Orchards Nursery School
Orchards Nursery School has placed communication and language at the centre of its provision after identifying that 71 per cent of children entered nursery significantly below age-related expectations in this area. A new Early Years building opened in January 2026 with communication-friendly environments and evidence-based practice embedded throughout. The nursery also redesigned family engagement through Stay and Play sessions that bring learning into the classroom. Family participation has risen from 25 per cent to more than 70 per cent, alongside accelerated progress for children.
Play Pals Nursery
Play Pals Nursery, part of QUEST Trust, works with its partner school to create a joined-up journey from Early Years into Reception. Its provision emphasises language, stories, conversation, independence, wellbeing and real-world experiences, with staff supporting children who may previously have struggled to settle or engage. The nursery reports significant improvement in outcomes, with children leaving having met or exceeded national expectations. Its approach aims to combine school readiness with social and emotional development so children move into their next stage with confidence.
- WOW Recognition Award
Byrchall High School
Byrchall High School developed a Year 8 drama project exploring online misogyny, masculinity and safeguarding in response to the television drama Adolescence. Using process drama, students explored the issues through a fictional framework designed to develop empathy, critical thinking and emotional literacy. The project has since been extended into professional learning and teacher education, and was published on the Department for Education’s ‘Educate Against Hate’ platform. Students have also contributed to wider professional dialogue arising from the work.
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College’s African Adventure brought students and staff together with The Walk Centre Academy in Nakuru, Kenya. Fundraising by the school community supported donations including 400 new school uniforms, 800 football shirts, books, footwear and hygiene products, alongside food and healthcare support. During the visit, Clare Mount students also took part in cultural and educational experiences including wildlife visits, science activities at the Equator and a local church service, creating opportunities for learning, independence and new experiences outside the classroom.
LET Education Trust
LET Education Trust’s ‘Year of Kindness’ involved pupils across the trust in community projects, fundraising, art and performance. Activities included 106 artworks for a public Kindness Umbrella walk in Accrington, a Community Kindness Picnic Blanket developed with care homes, and a Mount Snowdon challenge that raised £2,376.52 for East Lancashire Hospice. Pupils also took part in a community flash mob and fashion show at Blackburn Rovers Football Club. The programme gave pupils opportunities to lead activities focused on inclusion and community connection.