Which teachers were top of class?
THE amazing achievements of pupils, teachers and support staff from across the region were celebrated at the M.E.N.’s Greater Manchester Schools Awards.
Teachers and kids ditched lessons and donned their glad rags for the glamorous ceremony at the Hilton Deansgate.
The third annual awards saw a record number of entries in the nine categories and this year the standard was higher than ever, according to judges.
Among the winners was Mrs Irons of Castleton Primary School who won the City Year School Support Staff of the Year Award
St Damian’s RC Science College in Ashton scooped The Manchester College Secondary School of the Year after wowing the judges with their extraordinary journey from special measures to being rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The school was nominated by a parent who said it had changed ‘beyond recognition’.
Sheldon Logue, headteacher at St Damian’s, said: “This is our third year here and we are delighted to be third time lucky.
“This is recognition for the pupils, the staff and the governors. We are over the moon.”
The Essential Education Primary School of the Year was won by Green End Primary in Burnage.
The school has gone from strength to strength thanks to its commitment to ensure every child reaches their goal.
Executive headteacher, Lisa Vyas, said: “If you can give everyone that self belief then you are onto a winner.”
Headteacher of the Year was awarded to Rachel Wall, of St Patrick’s RC High School in Eccles.
“This award might have been given to me as an individual, but it is as a result of the wonderful school community at St Patrick’s - pupils, staff, governors and parents. This is our award,” said Mrs Wall.
A special mention was given to Guy Hutchence, head of The East Manchester Academy, who died in January this year.
Pupils and staff who knew Mr Hutchence described him as ‘inspirational.’
Class of the Year was won by Year 6W at St John Fisher RC Primary whose achievements included helping their local foodbank and performing the Nativity story in French.
Louise Lee, of Audenshaw Primary School, moved judges with her commitment to her class after one of her students sadly died.
One of her students, who nominated Mrs Lee for the award, said: “She helped us all when we lost Kate, a friend.”
Mrs Lee was awarded Inspirational Teacher of the Year.