A primary school in Warrington was named a winner of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Aweard at the Educate Awards at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, 14 November.
Locking Stumps Community Primary School, Birchwood, took home the Mental Health & Wellbeing Award, having fought off stiff competition from schools and colleges across the North West.
The community primary school won the award, which recognises educational establishments that are effectively tackling mental health and wellbeing issues among both children and staff, after demonstrating a proactive approach to supporting its pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.
Locking Stumps has implemented ‘myHappymind’, an NHS-backed mental wellness programme, that is designed to build resilience, self-esteem and happiness in children. Pupils across all phases take part in lessons, assemblies and events that proactively support their mental health and wellbeing.
The school also offers targeted support for its pupils experiencing mental health challenges. This is led by the school’s certified mental health first aid trainer, who also delivers training to staff to support them in identifying and responding to mental health concerns effectively.
Parents, carers and the wider community are involved in the school’s promotion of mental health education too, and it hosts a mindfulness club to ensure wellbeing is part of both school and home life.
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.
Alongside the awards ceremony was a delicious three-course gala dinner and show-stopping entertainment from the region’s schools. Opening the event was a special performance from secondary school students within Endeavour Learning Trust.
Combining a heartfelt monologue with an expressive dance, the piece paid tribute to Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, two beloved pupils from Churchtown Primary School, part of Endeavour Learning Trust, who, along with Elsie Dot Stancombe, tragically lost their lives in the Southport attack last year.
Their performance was a touching reminder of the strength, compassion and unity that continues to shine through the community.
During dinner, students and staff from The Academy of St Nicholas, Garston, took to the red carpet for a captivating fashion show that highlighted the environmental impact of fast fashion. Students designed, created and modelled the bespoke pieces, with three students performing spoken word pieces which explored the theme of ‘Our World’.
Bringing an end to the evening’s entertainment was West Kirby Grammar School. Students delivered an electrifying performance from ‘Six: the Musical!’, which reimagines the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, transforming them into bold, dynamic pop icons who take centre stage to reclaim their stories.
Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to Locking Stumps Community Primary School for its success at this year’s Educate Awards!
“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.”
