Honour for 'inspirational' Riverside Primary School at the Educate Awards

Riverside Primary School in Seacombe was named 'Most Inspirational Primary School' at the Educate Awards on Friday, with competition from other primary schools in the North West.

Located in the lowest 3% of deprivation in the country, staff at the school didn’t let the pandemic stop them and set out with a dogged determination to inspire with a bit of 'Riverside magic'.

Last year, Riverside celebrated the 12 Days of Christmas with an inspirational, intergenerational project between the children and residents at a local care home.

Having won three Educate Awards in the past for its outstanding arts provision, the school understand the power of the arts and how it can bring joy and happiness.

Children performed outside resident's windows, told a few Morecambe and Wise jokes, painted pictures for the home and produced a wonderful Christmas WWII vignette.

The joy of the care home residents was echoed by a family member who said: "It was a lovely surprise" to see her Nan "full of joy" thanks to the "beautiful children" of Riverside.

As well as caring for those outside of the school, the pastoral team also ensured the wellbeing of those inside.

Staying connected to all within the school community was a linchpin to the success of navigating the pandemic.

Riverside Primary School staff celebrate their success at the Educate Awards

With a robust referral system in place, Riverside was able to identify and help families in crisis and support them with budgeting, mental health, parental conflict and drug and alcohol abuse issues.

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

Communication award

• Runner-up: Gateacre School
• Winner: Maricourt Catholic High School

Outstanding commitment to the environment

• Runner-up: Stockport Academy
• Winner: St Vincent’s School

Careers and enterprise award

• Runner-up: Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School
• Winner: Rainford High

SEND provision award

• Runner-up: Cardinal Langley RC High School
• Winner: Rainford High

Innovative and creative literacy award

• Runner-up: The Birkenhead Park School
• Winner: Parish Church of England Primary School

Outstanding Commitment to STEM

• Runner-up: Eldon Primary School
• Winner: Sandbach High School

Outstanding Arts in Primary School

• Runner-up: St Peter’s CE Primary School
• Winner: Netherton Moss Primary School

Outstanding Arts in Secondary School

• Runner-up: Formby High School
• Winner: The Hollins

Community partnership award

• Runner-up: The Hollins
• Winner: Wargrave House School & College

Mental Health & Wellbeing award

• Runner-up: Rainford High
• Winner: St Bede’s Catholic High School

Outstanding commitment to sport and physical activity in primary school

• Runner-up: St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School
• Winner: The Belvedere Preparatory School

Outstanding commitment to sport and physical activity in secondary school

• Runner-up: Ridgeway High School
• Winner: Hope Academy

Leadership team of the year

• Runner Up: Academy @ Worden
• Winner: St James’ Catholic High School

School Governor of the year

• Runner-up: Cathy Redford from The Barlow RC High School
• Winner: Hilary Lyall from Netherton Moss Primary School

Teacher of the year

• Runner-up: Jen Longson from St Bede’s Catholic High School
• Winner: Kerris Stirling from Stockport Academy

School support star of the year

• Runner-up: Tara Thomas from Wargrave House School and College
• Winner: Damon Murphy from Plantation Primary school

Most inspirational alternative provision by a school

• Runner-up: Manchester Academy
• Winner: Three Towers APA

Most inspirational 16-18 education provider

• Runner-up: Wargrave House School & College
• Winner: Myerscough College

Most inspirational secondary school

• Runner-up: Rainford High
• Winner: Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School

Most inspirational primary school

• Runner-up: Christ the King Catholic Primary School
• Winner: Riverside Primary School

WOW Recognition Award

• Runner-up: The Hollins
• Winner: The Academy of St Francis of Assisi