Harrington school judged best primary in Cumbria at education awards

By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:11, Friday, 05 October 2012

Inspirational figures from the world of education were honoured at the third annual CN Group Education and Learning Awards.

Beckstone Primary School, Harrington, was named Primary School of the Year. From left, Rob Terwey, presents the award to Judith Henderson, David Warbrick, centre and Gary McKeating

West Cumbria was the big winner at the event at Rheged, near Penrith, last night – the third annual ‘Oscars’-style ceremony for the education world.

The Golden Apple awards aim to reward achievement and excellence across the education sector.

Beckstone Primary School at Harrington, Workington, won the Primary School of the Year award. It was formed when Harrington Infant and Junior Schools merged and Garth Infants in Salterbeck.

Headteacher David Warbrick, who has been at the school since 2005, said his school was “thriving”.

He said: “We’re delighted that we’ve won. It’s lovely to be awarded something like this.

“We had the Workington Olympics this year which were just brilliant. We place a strong emphasis on sport in school and we’ve got good links with clubs. It’s an experience for the children.”

Watch a video of the Golden Apple awards. Article continues below...

In May this year it was rated as good on all counts by Ofsted inspectors and over the last two years has had record GCSE and A-level results.

Judith Henderson, deputy head at Beckstone Primary School, also scooped the Teacher of the Year award.

In the summer, Judith, 58, organised a Workington Olympics – not just for her own school – but for every child in Workington.

She was nominated by Marnie Jackson, community manager at Workington Town.

Marnie said: “When Judith came to me and said she wanted to organise a Workington Olympics I didn’t realise she wanted it to be for every child in the town.

“There were 2,638 children involved and Judith’s attention to detail was just amazing. There was an Olympic song and flags and banners which were the correct colours. There was an opening and closing ceremony and a medal for every child.

“Derwent Park hadn’t been that full for 10 years. It was just amazing and that’s why I nominated Judith. She left an experience that all of those children will remember.”

Judith said: “I am so pleased. It’s just brilliant for me and the team at the school.”

West Cumbria had eight out of the 19 award winners at the ceremony.

Cockermouth School picked up the award for Secondary School of the Year.

The school is described by staff as being an “exceptional and vibrant community school” that is at “the heart” of the town.

With more than 1,400 students, including 300 in the sixth form, and 200 members of staff, it is one of the town’s largest employers and is said to be an oversubscribed, “happy and thriving school”.

The school has 30 extra curricular clubs and this year it planted 700 trees as part of its remit as an eco-ambassador school.

Joan Ellis, development manager, at the school said: “We were so delighted when we won. I could have cried.”

Emma Gibbon, of Action for Children, won the Learner of the Year Award. Judges said she had “given back to the community what she’s learnt herself.”

Claire Williamson, of West Lakes Academy in Egremont, won the Support Staff Award and Gosforth Nursery won the Early Years Award. Judges said it was “at the heart of the village” and “so much more than a nursery”.

Elsa Mason, from the nursery, said: “Everybody seems to be very happy at the nursery and we have the support of the community, the parents and the staff.”

Gillian Jackson, nursery manager, said: “This is the first year that we’ve entered and we won. We are overwhelmed.”

Innovation in the Arts award went to Workington’s Southfield Technology College’s Expressive Arts Department.

Eren Oguz, a sport student at Lakes College West Cumbria won the Against All Odds award.

The Post-16 Education Provider of the Year award went to Lakes College West Cumbria.

Principal Cath Richardson said: “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for eight awards and to win two.

“It is a tribute to all the staff and students for their hard work and dedication.”

The awards were organised by CN Group, publishers of The Cumberland News, in association with Britain’s Energy Coast Campus and Active Travel.

The awards ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Susanna Boccaccio with Michelle Skeer, Cumbria’s police’s assistant chief constable, the keynote speaker.

Ms Boccaccio said: “There were some great examples of selflessness, dedication and fantastic community spirit.”

First published at 11:29, Friday, 05 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk