Celebration of our schools was class act at awards bash
JUDGES SAID STANDARD OF ENTRIES WAS HIGHER THAN EVER THIS YEAR
THE incredible achievements of outstanding children and teachers were celebrated at the M.E.N.’s Greater Manchester Schools Awards.
Youngsters and teachers were treated to an afternoon off lessons to enjoy the fourth annual awards ceremony at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
And this year the standard of entries for the nine categories was higher than ever, judges said.
Newman RC College in Chadderton scooped The Manchester College Secondary School of the Year after wowing judges with their journey from the closure and amalgamation of two schools five years ago.
In that time, headteacher Mike McGhee has taken the college from strength to strength.
Collecting his award, Mr McGhee said: “It has been a difficult five years in many ways and a lot of hard work.
“We have been delighted with the response from the community who have supported us all the way.
“This award is wholly deserved by the students, staff and parents.” The Primary School of the Year was won by Pictor Academy, whose choir’s also stole the show during the awards ceremony. Jacqueline Wheble, head of Pictor, an outstanding special needs school in Timperley, said: “It has been a wonderful experience to celebrate the achievements of all of the children and staff.
“We have had a lot of big changes this year and we are taking on more children with far more complex needs.
“Staff have worked so hard to meet those challenges. Today was a fantastic opportunity for the children.”
Headteacher of the Year was awarded to Stephen Lawler-Smith, of Moorside Community Primary School in Swinton.
Under his leadership, ‘Team Moorside’ has recently been ranked in the top three per cent of schools nationally.
Mr Lawler-Smith said the award was a reflection of his team’s passion and enthusiasm at Moorside.
“This is for everyone and not just me,” he said.
Julie Noble was recognised for her efforts supporting pupils at Longdendale High School after one of their fellow students tragically drowned last summer.
Julie, a member of support staff, was commended for tireless efforts to support grieving pupils in and out of school.
Lisa O’Loughlin, principal of awards sponsors The Manchester College, said: “I admire the teachers, pupils and support staff at all our local schools, and the awards are an opportunity to celebrate their success. In what has been a difficult year for the Greater Manchester community they have led by example and shown the very best of our profession, to which they are a credit.”