School on shortlist for top education award

St Damian's RC Science College, Ashton, has been named in this year’s Educate Awards shortlist.

The secondary school has been shortlisted for the Community Partnership Award.

St Damian’s is a proud Catholic school with a strong focus on community engagement and outreach.

The school supports numerous charities through initiatives like the CARITAS Ambassadors, who organise events for causes such as homelessness, poverty, mental health, and disadvantaged children.

Partnerships with external agencies, like TOGMind and community police, provide additional support for students, focusing on education around mental health, relationships, and respect.

The school also fosters interfaith dialogue through its diversity panel, bringing together different faiths and community groups to promote tolerance and understanding.

The school celebrates community and diversity through events like St Damian’s Day, Share Day, and the Santa Dash, which strengthen local ties and raise funds for charities. Their careers provision and Year 10 work experience programs connect students with local businesses and employers, helping them build skills for the future.

The shortlisted school will find out its fate on Friday, November 15, at the glittering Educate Awards ceremony, held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Featuring 21 diverse categories, the awards shine 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 profound impact in their communities.

The event, which is in partnership with ASL Group, is the largest and most prestigious education awards of its kind. Schools, colleges, leadership teams, teachers and support staff from across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester come together to celebrate their achievements in a truly unique fashion.

This year, the Educate Awards has seen a record number entrants, highlighting the ongoing commitment to educational excellence and innovation around the northwest, with a 52 per cent increase in entrants from Manchester and Lancashire.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to St Damian's RC Science College for making this year’s Educate Awards shortlist.

“We are continually amazed by the inspiring work that takes in the region’s schools and colleges, and this year’s shortlist is a testament to the passion and hard work of senior leadership teams, teachers and support staff around the region.

“The quality of the entries we received in 2024 has been exceptional, and we look forward to rolling out the red carpet and celebrating these achievements at the awards ceremony in November.

“A huge thank you to partner, ASL Group, and our esteemed associate sponsors for supporting this year’s event. Without their support, this event really would not be possible.”