BIRCHWOOD High School, Warrington, has been shortlisted for a top education award.
The school has been shortlisted in the Leadership Team of the Year category of this year’s Educate Awards.
Over the past year, the school has faced immense trauma, following the tragic murder of Year 11 student Brianna Ghey in February last year, and the heartbreaking loss of another student to suicide in August last year. Despite these devastating events, the senior leadership team has shown remarkable strength and resilience, ensuring the school remains a safe and supportive environment.
They provided extensive emotional support to students, staff, and families, including external counselling, remembrance events, and resources to help the community cope with grief. The team navigated difficult challenges, from managing press attention to supporting Brianna’s classmates during their GCSE exams, all while continuing to lead the school forward.
Amidst this tragedy, the school introduced new mental health initiatives such as “Time to Talk” sessions, mindfulness coaching, and mentoring for students, particularly focusing on Year 11, who were deeply affected by the loss of their peers. Despite the emotional toll, academic outcomes have remarkably improved, with the school’s progress scores rising by 0.4 last year.
The leadership team’s commitment to both the wellbeing and academic achievement of the students is truly remarkable.
The shortlisted school will find out its fate on Friday, November 15, at the Educate Awards ceremony, held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
Featuring 21 diverse categories, the awards shine a spotlight on all aspects of education from sports and arts to literacy and the environment.
The shortlist recognises inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams who continue to make a profound impact in their communities.
The event, which is in partnership with ASL Group, is the largest and most prestigious education awards of its kind. Schools, colleges, leadership teams, teachers and support staff from across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester come together to celebrate their achievements in a truly unique fashion.
This year, the Educate Awards has seen a record number entrants, highlighting the ongoing commitment to educational excellence and innovation around the northwest, with a 52 per cent increase in entrants from Manchester and Lancashire.
Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to Birchwood High School for making this year’s Educate Awards shortlist.
