Children, young people and staff from Halton’s schools and colleges have been celebrated for their achievements at a special awards evening.
Halton Borough Council’s Education Awards – Aiming High – took place at Cronton Playhouse within Cronton Sixth Form College to recognise the hard work, dedication and passion of the borough’s educators, support teams, students and all those who form part of our education community.
Welcoming everyone to the ceremony, the Mayor of Halton, Cllr Martha Lloyd Jones, said:
“The Halton Aiming High Awards are all about recognising the incredible commitment, creativity, boundless energy and passion that drive our educators, support staff, students, and everyone who plays a part in shaping education across Halton.
This is the second year of the awards and again, it was wonderful to see so many examples of teachers, support staff, children and young people all making a difference in lots of different ways – some big, some small, some personal and some for the benefit of the community – all contributing to others and their schools. Our children and young people are not only our pride – but they are also our future and I am hugely optimistic after seeing so many wonderful examples of people ‘Aiming High’. Our shared ambition is that every child in our borough has the chance to thrive: to feel safe, happy, healthy, and to achieve their very best.”
During the evening, guests were treated to performances from students of The Grange Academy, Halton Performing Arts Network – Beechwood and Farnworth CE Primary Schools and Cronton Sixth Form College.
Awards were given I0 categories with nominations coming from schools and colleges across the borough.
The winners were:
Inspirational Teacher of the Year: Recognises individuals who have not only excelled in their teaching but have also inspired, motivated, and positively impacted the lives of countless students:
Winner: Matthew Lorne, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School (pictured with Cllr Mike Wharton, Leader of the Council).
Matt is kind, caring, and compassionate – nothing is ever too much trouble for him and he always has time for you. His calm presence, sense of humour, and boundless empathy make him a pillar of strength for both students and staff. One colleague summarised it perfectly:
“Our school community needs a Matt Lorne. His faith and positivity has brought life back into our corridors – he’s a role model not just for pupils, but for all of us. In every sense of the word, Matt Lorne is inspirational.”
Inspirational Young Person of the Year: Celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of some really amazing young people. Whether through volunteering, advocating for important causes, showing strength through adversity, they have touched the lives of many and set an example for all of us.
Winner: Charlotte Coffey, St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School (pictured with Cllr Mike Wharton, Leader of the Council)
Charlotte is an exceptional young girl who has shown extraordinary strength and resilience during one of the most challenging times of her life. Charlotte deserves to be recognised for her bravery, determination, and for being an inspiring example, she truly embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity and serves as a beacon of hope for others.
Support Star of the Year: Recognises individuals whose dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have made a significant impact on their school community.
Winner: Lisa Edinborough, All Saints Upton CE Primary School (pictured with Mary Murphy, Principal of Cronton Sixth Form College).
Lisa has been instrumental in setting up the Thrive programme, designed to help improve children’s mental health and wellbeing. The impact can be seen in the improved relationships that children have with staff and peers and in their own emotional health and wellbeing.
Diversity, Collaboration and Inclusion: Celebrates the exceptional educators who have made significant strides in promoting diversity, fostering collaboration, and ensuring inclusion within our school community
Winner: The Anthony Walker Ambassadors, The Grange Academy (pictured with Zoe Fearon, Executive Director of Children’s Services)
The Anthony Walker Ambassadors are a group of students who, through their work with the Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF), have shown outstanding commitment to promoting diversity, collaboration and inclusion within our school community. These young ambassadors have demonstrated exceptional maturity, compassion and leadership in helping to build a culture rooted in respect and anti-racism.
Team of the Year: Honours a group of people who have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and commitment to their school’s mission and values. Their collective efforts set a shining example for our entire school community.
Winner: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Team, Lunt’s Heath Primary School (pictured with Cllr Tom McInerney, Executive Member for Children and Families).
The team consistently demonstrates the highest standards of professional excellence, collaboration, and nurturing care. They are having a profound and positive impact on the lives of their pupils and the wider school community with an unwavering commitment to the personal well-being and development of every child.
Young Leader or Entrepreneur: Celebrates the innovative spirit and remarkable achievements of young entrepreneurs who are shaping the future with their creativity and determination
Winner: Reeve Class, Chesnut Lodge School (pictured with Richard Rout, Interim Chief Executive, Halton Borough Council).
Chesnut Lodge School is an SEN School with some of the most complex and vulnerable learners in Halton. The senior ‘Reeve Class’ of children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) are full of energy, inquisitiveness, and fun. Reeve Class represented the school at the recent annual Enterprise Showcase at Aintree racecourse in which schools all present their enterprise projects Dragons Den style. Reeve Class, took the Merseyside event by storm and were the clear winner. They were the first class entirely made up of PMLD learners to have won the competition in its history and to top it all the project made close to £300 in profit with all proceedings contributing to a trip for the entire class.
Sport Personality: Celebrates the outstanding achievements of young athletes who have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship. The award recognises those who have made significant contributions to their sport and have inspired others through their performances and commitment.
Winner: Chun Yat Cheung (Theo) – Ormiston Chadwick Academy (pictured with Ben Holmes, Director of Education, Inclusion and Provision).
Theo is an exceptionally dedicated young table tennis athlete whose achievements, commitment, discipline, and positive influence embody the values this award seeks to celebrate. He is ranked 21st in the UK for U13 and has been selected for the Table Tennis England North West Pathway Squad. Theo exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding young sportsperson and exemplary student: passion, perseverance, humility, leadership and a dedication to continual improvement. He is a positive role model for his peers and a valued member of the school community.
Outstanding Citizenship: Recognises young people who have demonstrated exceptional civic responsibility, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact. The award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to contribute to their community and exemplify the values of good citizenship.
Winner: Lyla Magdy – The Cavendish High Academy (pictured with Zoe Fearon, Executive Director of Children’s Services).
Lyla is a remarkable student who has passionately dedicated herself to an innovative project aimed at promoting inclusivity within our local community. Lyla set out to teach basic sign language to local businesses and community groups – 163 to date. Her motivation stemmed from her personal experience as a deaf individual, expressing the loneliness often felt in social interactions where communication bypasses her.
Lyla has contributed so much to her project and to our local community. Her initiative serves as an exemplary model of how one individual can bring about significant change.
Incredible Achievement: A celebration of the perseverance, dedication, bravery and the indomitable human spirit shown by our young people.
Winner: Jekaterina (Katie) Fedjunina, Cronton Sixth Form College (picture: Katie was represented by Dan Adams, Head of A-Levels at Cronton Sixth Form College with Cllr Martha Lloyd Jones, Mayor of Halton)
Katie embodies the spirit of this award—someone who has not only achieved incredible things but has done so with integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Katie achieved 3 A*s in her A levels and was one of the top performing students at Cronton Sixth Form College.
Lifetime Achievement: Celebrates those whose teaching career has been marked by unwavering dedication, exceptional teaching, and a lasting impact on countless students. All the nominees have spent their career inspiring, mentoring, and guiding students, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and on the field of education. Their passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have set a high standard for all educators to follow.
Winner: Kathy Williamson, All Saints Upton CE Primary School (pictured with Cllr Martha Lloyd Jones, Mayor of Halton).
Kathy has worked at All Saints Primary School for 35 years and is described as an amazing lady who puts others first. Kathy always goes the extra mile for the staff and children who she supports. Kathy is the one of the stars in our local teaching community and she has dedicated herself to doing the best possible job for all those children who were lucky enough to be taught by her. Kathy really is amazing – thank you for your service to the school and to our local community.
Cllr Tom McInerney, the Council’s Executive Board Member for Children, Young People and Families, said:
“This year’s nominees were absolutely outstanding and the judging was extremely tough with so many deserving entries. It was an amazing evening – we cheered, we laughed and we were moved by what has been achieved and the difference being made to children, young people, their schools and communities. Well done to all.”
“We must also say a special thank you to Cronton Sixth Form College for hosting the awards with the team and students going way over and above to ensure the evening was a great success. Thank you!”
The Halton Education Aiming High Awards will be back again next January with entries being opened during the autumn.