Two schools from Sefton were honoured at the Educate Awards last night, Friday 19th November

Inspirational Sefton schools were recognised at the Educate Awards last night, Friday 19th November.

Two schools from Sefton were honoured at the Educate Awards last night, Friday 19 November

Maricourt Catholic High School took home The Communication Award, whilst Netherton Moss Primary School won the Outstanding Arts in Primary School category and Hilary Lyall won the School Governor of the Year award.

Maricourt Catholic High School was applauded for demonstrating an excellent social media strategy. Over the past year, the school has ensured that the right audiences were being reached across all of its social media platforms. These included Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and even TikTok.

Netherton Moss Primary School impressed judges for its dedication in helping pupils make sense of current affairs. One way in which the school alleviated anxieties around the pandemic, whilst providing an historic and educational premise, was with a time capsule.

The time capsule was innovative, fresh and, most importantly, artistic. Overcoming the inevitable challenges of social distancing, the tech-savvy pupils set out preparing scripts, took part in production and even edited the final piece for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Netherton Moss’ school governor, Hilary Lyall, was also recognised for playing a crucial role in the pandemic. Hilary, without fuss or fanfare, was available for those that needed her all day, every day during this difficult time, answering any questions or enquiries and providing nuggets of advice and reassurance.

Thanks to Hilary, staff morale remained high despite the uncertainty that all schools faced. Hilary made sure that every member of staff received a letter of thanks from the governing body; a gesture of gratitude that went a long way. It wasn’t just the staff that were affected by Hilary’s actions. Pupils ‘absolutely loved’ the virtual book club, set up by Hilary, which spanned across four schools!

Formby High School also took centre stage on two separate occasions during the evening to entertain guests. The school community performed a song they had written themselves called ‘Above Us Only Sky’ and [insert details].

The Educate Awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, took place at the Liverpool Cathedral.

This year was particularly special as the event celebrated its 10 year anniversary and over 550 guests brought glitz and glamour to proceedings as they donned tuxedos and glamorous dresses.

The night included live entertainment, a sumptuous three course dinner and the awards ceremony itself. Broadcaster Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross hosted the evening and even made one lucky guest’s night after they won a pair of diamond earrings in a prize draw.

The Educate Awards has 21 categories which focus on different aspects of school life, including careers and enterprise, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), as well as sport, the arts and mental health and wellbeing.

Inspiring individuals are also recognised through the Teacher of the Year Award, School Support Star of the Year Award and the School Governor of the Year Award.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to all the winning schools and colleges, you should be very proud of what you have achieved.

“A huge well done to the runners-up, those who were shortlisted and everyone who took the time to enter this year. The past two years have not been easy and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Kim added: “Over the past 10 years, the Educate Awards has proudly shone a spotlight on the individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond. Senior leadership teams, teachers and staff have really gone the extra mile for their pupils, colleagues and wider community, and we can’t thank you enough for all the hard work and dedication.”

Associate sponsors of the Educate Awards 2021 include: All About STEM, Angel Solutions, CER, CPMM Media Group, Hidden Strength, LCR Careers Hub, Liverpool John Moores University, LSSP, Progress Careers, SupplyWell and Winstanley College.

The runners up and winners of the Educate Awards

1. The Communication Award

Runner Up: Gateacre School

Winner: Maricourt Catholic High School (Sefton)

2. Outstanding Commitment to the Environment

Runner Up: Stockport Academy

Winner: St Vincent’s School

3. Careers & Enterprise Award

Runner Up: Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School

Winner: Rainford High

4. SEND Provision Award

Runner Up: Cardinal Langley RC High School

Winner: Rainford High

5. Innovative & Creative Literacy Award

Runner Up: The Birkenhead Park School

Winner: Parish Church of England Primary School

6. Outstanding Commitment to STEM

Runner Up: Eldon Primary School

Winner: Sandbach High School

7. Outstanding Arts in Primary School

Runner Up: St Peter’s CE Primary School

Winner: Netherton Moss Primary School (Sefton)

8. Outstanding Arts in Secondary School

Runner Up: Formby High School

Winner: The Hollins

9. Community Partnership Award

Runner Up: The Hollins

Winner: Wargrave House School & College

10. Mental Health & Wellbeing Award

Runner Up: Rainford High

Winner: St Bede’s Catholic High School

11. Outstanding Commitment to Sport & Physical Activity in Primary School

Runner Up: St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School

Winner: The Belvedere Preparatory School

12. Outstanding Commitment to Sport & Physical Activity in Secondary School

Runner Up: Ridgeway High School

Winner: Hope Academy

13. Leadership Team of the Year

Runner Up: Academy @ Worden

Winner: St James’ Catholic High School

14. School Governor of the Year

Runner Up: Cathy Redford from The Barlow RC High School

Winner: Hilary Lyall from Netherton Moss Primary School

15. Teacher of the Year

Runner Up: Jen Longson from St Bede’s Catholic High School

Winner: Kerris Stirling from Stockport Academy

16. School Support Star of the Year

Runner Up: Tara Thomas from Wargrave House School & College

Winner: Damon Murphy from Plantation Primary school

17. Most Inspirational Alternative Provision by a School

Runner Up: Manchester Academy

Winner: Three Towers APA

18. Most Inspirational 16-18 Education Provider

Runner Up: Wargrave House School & College

Winner: Myerscough College

19. Most Inspirational Secondary School

Runner Up: Rainford High

Winner: Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School

20. Most Inspirational Primary School

Runner Up: Christ the King Catholic Primary School

Winner: Riverside Primary School

21. WOW Recognition Award

Runner Up: The Hollins

Winner: The Academy of St Francis of Assisi