Two inspirational schools from across the Archdiocese of Liverpool were recognised at the Educate Awards on Friday, 14 November.

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St Edward’s College won the Most Impactful Communications Award, sponsored by CPMM Media Group.

 

Communication is a vital part of what makes the St Edward’s College community so special. Over the past year, it has implemented a strategy to reach, inform, and inspire all stakeholders using social media, print media, and college community events.

 

Through social media platforms it has increased engagement by showcasing pupil achievements, events, and student stories such as the ‘Humans of St Edward’s’ series.

 

Communication is more than information-sharing at St Edward’s College; it helps build community, celebrates shared values, and ensures every student and parent feels seen, heard, and valued.

 

St John Bosco Arts College won the Outstanding Arts in Secondary School category, which was presented by the deputy director of education at the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Ben McMullen.

 

The secondary school places creativity and inclusion at the core of its curriculum, empowering students to express themselves, lead with confidence, and thrive through the performing arts.

 

From interdisciplinary productions like Moana to gospel choirs, DJ workshops, and national theatre collaborations, the arts at St John Bosco are a vibrant celebration of talent, teamwork, and transformation. Through various initiatives, students develop leadership, resilience, and cultural capital.

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Runners-up from around the archdiocese included:

 

• Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School was runner-up for Most Inspirational Secondary School • Hope Academy was runner-up for Outstanding Commitment to the Environment & Sustainability

• Our Lady of Compassion RC Primary School was runner-up for Outstanding Arts in Primary School

• Our Lady and St Swithin’s Catholic Primary School was runner-up for Outstanding SEND Provision in Mainstream School

• St Mary’s Junior Catholic Academy was runner-up for School Library of the Year

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Now in its fourteenth year, the Educate Awards features 21 diverse categories and shines 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 meaningful difference in their communities.

 

As the largest and most prestigious education awards in the region, the Educate Awards brings together schools, colleges and multi academy trusts from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside for a night of celebration and recognition.

 

In partnership with ASL Group, the glittering ceremony took place at the Liverpool Cathedral and welcomed over 600 guests. The evening was hosted by broadcaster Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross.

 

A highlight of the night came from The Academy of St Nicholas, Garston, whose students and staff delivered a standout fashion show during the gala dinner.

 

Taking centre stage on the red carpet, the academy showcased a series of bespoke designs which explored the environmental impact of fast fashion. Every piece was designed, created and modelled by the students themselves, with one performer delivering a powerful spoken word piece on the theme of ‘Our World’.

 

The event also showcased performances from other schools across the region. Students from Endeavour Learning Trust opened the ceremony with a powerful monologue and dance piece paying tribute to Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King from Churchtown Primary School who tragically lost their lives in last year’s Southport attack. Later in the evening, West Kirby Grammar School brought the evening to a close with an energetic rendition from Six: The Musical!.

 

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to St Edward’s College and St John Bosco Arts College for their success at this year’s Educate!

 

“A big well done to the runners-up and finalists, and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. Each year, the judges’ job gets harder, and once again, the results were incredibly close.

 

Kim added: “We’re incredibly proud that the Educate Awards continues to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of schools and colleges across the region. The dedication, creativity and care shown by staff and students never fails to inspire us.

 

“Entries for the 2026 awards will open in February, and we encourage schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts of all kinds to get involved.

 

” Associate sponsors of the Educate Awards 2025 include: All About Futures, Angel Solutions, Apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University, CER, CPMM Media Group, Frank Field Education Trust, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub, LJMU, LSSP, Portakabin, Satis Education and SENDSCOPE.