Education stars recognised at annual Gazette awards

Hundreds of proud pupils, teachers and parents converged on the Tower Ballroom for the glittering bash, sponsored by BAE Systems and Blackpool and The Fylde College.

A total of 13 awards were handed out on the night with entertainment provided by the college’s musical theatre students.

Gazette Deputy Editor Andy Sykes said: “From everyone at The Gazette, thank you all for making the event such a great success.

“Thank you to our sponsors who back this awards ceremony every year, we couldn’t do it without you.

“Thank you to Blackpool Tower for hosting such a great event in this spectacular ballroom.

“But finally – thank you to all the teachers, pupils. parents and guardians who make this event what it is.

“Please don’t ever underestimate the impact you have on the future of those around you.

“The Fylde coast has some fantastic people but you lot are the best of the best.”

Inspirational Teaching Award

Sponsored by Westinghouse

Mr Johnson, Park Community Academy

His pupils describe Mr Johnson as brilliant, always happy and smiling and giving every pupil a chance to shine. In his own time he runs a Saturday football team and has introduced an Olympic legacy group inspiring youngsters to try new sports.

Primary School Pupil of the Year Award

Sponsored by Sandcastle Waterpark

Charlie Jordan, St Teresa’s 
Catholic Primary School

Following gruelling treatment for a brain tumour, Charlie has shown he is a true star. He is a wonderful role model, demonstrating resilience and strength, enjoying every moment of school life and raising thousands of pounds for brain tumour research.

Secondary School Pupil of the Year

Sponsored by Blackpool Sixth Form

Aliyah Rayner, Cardinal Allen Catholic High School

Aliyah is commended for her hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. She works with older members of the community helping them to develop their IT skills. She drives many fundraising activities and is an active member of the Eco Group. She challenges injustice, campaigning to raise awareness of Homelessness and works with Lancashire Minds, helping students with mental health issues.

Sustainable School of the Year Award

Sponsored by Harry Ramsden

St Aidan’s CE High School

The school is working towards the Eco School Silver award, focusing on sustainability for the future of the school and community. They sell fairtrade calendars to support developing countries and recently took part in a Beach Clean operation in conjunction with Wyre Council.

Young Scientist/Engineer of the Year Award

Sponsored by BAE Systems

Harvey Barry-Hudson, St Aidan’s CE High School

Harvey is a phenomenal student, predicted the highest GCSE grades across the board. He has taken Astronomy as an extra curricular subject and looks to a career in astrophysics. He was named Young Physicist of the year by the Ogden Trust and helps with the Year 7 Science Club.

Creative Arts Award

Sponsored by Blackpool and The Fylde College School of Creative Arts and Digital Industries.

Leoni-Jane Kennedy, Millfield Science & Performing Arts 
College

Leoni is a young carer with an immense talent. She performs across a range of musical genres and excels as a singer/songwriter and guitarist. She was awarded the Yamaha Young Songwriter of the Year and erformed at the Houses of Parliament. She also excels in art and design, achieving a Distinction in Year 10, and nurtures and inspires students in lower year groups.

School Trips award

Sponsored by Merlin Entertainments.

Park Community Academy

Pupils go on several residential trips such as Tower Wood in the Lake District, London and Beddrigg where they enjoy canoeing and rock climbing. Although pupils all have additional learning needs which necessitates extra support, the school ensures ALL children have access to the activities and can create lifelong memories.

Sports Achievement Award

Sponsored by Blackpool Sixth Form.

Hodgson Academy Badminton Team

Students in the Under 14 badminton squad were novices when they started to learn the sport in year 7.

Over three years, their determination to succeed saw them achieve Wyre and Fylde championships two years in succession, culminating in them being crowned Lancashire Champions and going on to represent the county in the NW Regional championships.

Career Aspiration Award

Sponsored by Blackpool and The Fylde College

St Aidan’s CE High School

St Aidan’s prides itself on careers education, information and guidance. They run a Work Experience week and Personal Development Days, helping them to plan for the future.. Hospitality and Catering students had the ultimate career opportunity when they took over The Villa restaurant and served a three course meal to 100 guests.

The Unsung Hero Award

Sponsored by Vida Education.

Mandy Palmer, St Thomas 
CE Primary School

Although she officially retired two years ago, Mandy continues to play a huge part in pupils’ lives in her role as Governor. She organises music activities in the school and plays piano during worship every day, and is always at every event and everyone is grateful for her hard work and 
ambition.

The Headteacher of the Year Award

Sponsored by Centrica Energy and Cuadrilla Resources.

Sharon Barnett, the Willows Catholic Primary School

Sharon has totally transformed the school since she took the reins four years ago. The school had endured troublesome times but under her leadership, it has now achieved outstanding Ofsted ratings in all five areas and Ofsted inspectors described her as inspirational.

Primary School of the Year Award

Sponsored by The Uniform and Leisurewear Company.

St Nicholas CE Primary School

St Nicholas school is one of just four per cent nationally who have made the journey from an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement to Outstanding, and in just three years. Following dejection and uncertainty, staff and pupils showed tremendous resolve and worked incredibly hard to turn the school around and now results put them in the top 10 per cent nationally.

Secondary School of the Year Award

Sponsored by UCLan.

Hodgson Academy

Once again, Hodgson achieved the best exam results of any state school on the Fylde Coast. They enjoyed their best sporting year in a decade winning 5 county titles. They raised over £5000 for various charities and 200 students took part in the Duke Of Edinburgh scheme. Their work as an Initial Teacher Training provider has launched a significant number of talented new teachers into the profession, many gaining employment in the area.