Congratulations to all of this year's Education Awards winners The Northampton Chronicle &

PHOTO Everyone was welcomed on the night by Sophie the T-Tex and Jack the baby Allosaurus from the Education Group, Kettering Featured: children from Rowan Gate School and Darren Smith from the Education Group

Over 600 excited people packed the Wicksteed Park Pavilion on Wednesday 8th July evening which was officially opened with live entertainent by top Bhangra artist Jeet Chahill

Event host Neil Pickford, the Communities Content Editor for newspapers in Northamptonshire, said: “These awards are a special event in our newspaper’s calendar.

“This is a chance for us to celebrate our outstanding schools, and recognise the people who make them great.”

The first category of the night was the Primary School of the Year Award, sponsored by Education Group.

This category recognises the school for Its positive contribution to the community, raising pupil achievement, or colabrative work with other schools, to raise standards and inspire learning.

Winner: Loddington C of E Primary School

A quote from a parent of a child whose son is registered disabled, said of the school “that Loddington is a wonderful and caring and every day has been a dream, as they have a way of including every child in all activities, both in and outside the classroom”. This is only one of the reasons the school was awarded the primary school of the year.

Other finalists in this category:

Irchester Community Primary School

For their achievements associated with their science facility

Millbrook Junior School

For encouraging children, regardless of needs, level or ability.

The Abbey Primary School

For outstanding behaviour, where all the pupils are extremely polite and courteous

Roade Primary School

For their pupils good punctuality and high attendance and enjoyment of coming to school

The second category was Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by Stanair Industrial Doors Ltd.

Recognised for a rich and varied curriculum, as well as innovative extra curriculum activities for pupils and encouraging young people to be citizens of the local, nation and global community

Winner: Kingsthorpe College

One of the reasons why Kingsthorpe College have won this award, as in the past year they have gone from strength to strength. A quote from one of the parents was that she has seen progress that is breathtaking and has impacted on all aspects of school life.

Other finalists in this category:

Sir Christopher Hatton Academy

For ensuring that when students leave they are extremely well equipped to take their place in society as young adults.

The Latimer Arts College

Are very proud of all their students and place no boundaries on ambition, no limits on aspirations and no barriers in the way of achievement

Montsaye Academy

For their vertical tutoring system, with students in mixed age forms, allowing them to develop a caring, supportive ethos and respect for oneself and for each other.

The Ferrers School

Where the Governors were praised for being passionate about their work and the inspectors said the quality of provision and achievement of students in the Sixth Form is good.

The third category is Inspirational Teaching Award, which also includes LSA, HLTA, TA and classroom assistant. Sponsored by Wicksteed Park.

This award is for the person who has made an outstanding contribution and provided or assisted with a real, relevant curriculum.

Winner: Louise Mann, Weston Favell Academy picture with Wicky Bear

The teaching award has gone to Louise, for her commitment to teaching and as one student said of her, “she is unbelievably knowledgeable and always has her door open and never fails to brighten mine and other people’s day”.

Other finalists in this category:

Sue Morris, Rowangate Primary School

For teaching students to be the best they can be and to always do their best, never telling them they can’t do things

Michael Jackson, Kingsthorpe College

For his passion and enthusiasm for art, which has infected staff and students alike and has helped the art faculty go from strength to strength.

Mr John Gillet, The Bramptons Primary School

For his common sense approach to teaching and is a genuine role model for everyone in the school

Brendan Moylan, Moulton Primary School

For supporting children with special needs and helping them to attend mainstream education

Sasha Charman Barton Infants School

Described as one in a million by the person who nominated her and derserves recognition for all her help and support

Richard White, Corby Business Academy

For working part of the week with a student with physical difficulties, displaying a great amount of professionalism and empathy

The fourth category is Special School of the Year sponsored by MacIntyre Hudson

This award recognises schools which have stretched, challenged and inspired pupils to help them reach their true potential and to enhance learning opportunities and experiences.

Winner: Billing Brook School

The award for special school of the year has been awarded to Billing Brook School, as the moment you set foot inside the school, you get a sense of warmth and happiness. The pupils are able to learn in a fun and created atmosphere, supported by incredibly dedicated staff.

Other finalists in this category:

Hospital and Outreach Education

This is a pupil referral unit in Northamptonshire for children and young people who are unable to attend school, due to medical or mental health difficulties. The PRU was judged outstanding by Ofsted.

Rowan Gate Primary School

They believe that all pupils are unique, with their own amazing talents and abilities. This also goes for the staff who teach them too.

Wren Spinney Community Special School

At their shop and salon, the school has developed partnerships with various schools providing outreach work experiences for pupils

The fifth award is the Community Award sponsored by The EBP

This award gives recognition to a school or individual that has impacted on the community through school projects, welcoming the community into the school and sharing facilities.

Winner: Wren Spinney Community Special School

One of the reasons why the community award was won by Wren Spinney, is that 6 years ago they opened the town centre sweet shop, which provides work experience for the students and this year they have developed by taking sweet baskets to a variety of businesses and care homes.

Other finalists in this category:

Alex Bennett, Kingsthorpe College

Committed to developing positive relationships with local people, by engaging with various groups, schools and organisations, to ensure that the college is a valued part of the community.

Rushden Academy, Team Pheonix

They have inspired and continue to inspire students and staff and have brought local charity, Pheonix Resource Centre into the heart of the school community.

Shailen Popat

Took the initiative to commence his own project called Realize and has been very successful, with hundreds of children and young people in rural Northamptonshire receiving professional and social education services.

Latimer Community Arts College, Anti Bullying Workshop

They held an anti bullying workshop, where around 60 children from various primary schools took part. The day was about giving the visiting pupils information about what they can do if someone they know is being bullied.

The sixth category is the Sporting Achievement Award – Individual/Team sponsored by The Qube Module Buildings

Rewarding an individual pupil or team, excelling in a particular sport at school, or through their own commitment outside the classroom.

Winner: Friars Academy Netball Team.

This team have achieved numerous recognition, such as the Great Britain special olympics netball competition, which they won, making them national champions. They took part in the England netball Marion Smith national championship, for people with learning disabilities and as with their last tournament, played exceptionally well and finished in first place.

Other finalists in this category:

Luke Roodt, Kingsthorpe College

Ranked number 2 in his age group, in the UK - in the discipline of Taekwondo. He also takes part in Kick Boxing and performs to a high standard, both nationally and internationally.

Wrenn School Football Team, Year 9

They have remained unbeaten in Wellingborough and Rushden distrct, for the 3rd successive season and have won many competitions and titles.

Callum Barker, Kingsthorpe College

Callum was born with cerebral palsy, he has taken part in many chess tournaments, achieving many wins. More recently he has been involved in boccia and also got through to the finals of table cricket.

Nathan Phillips, Manor Sports College

Nathan is a talented athlete who has represented the school with distinction on many occasions. He has thrown himself into sport and developed excellent leadership skills.

The seventh category is the Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Western Power Distribution

Paying tribute to those who make a significate contribution to the school community behind the scenes and have an impact on daily school life. This could range from a volunteer, caretaker or school bursars..

Winner: Amy McKay and Christina Mangin.

Amy and Christina are true unsung heroes. Just some of the things they have achieved for the library at Corby Business Academy are: They launched an international book club, run an annual chess tournament, launched a live induction challenge and set up an on line library catalogue. There ongoing commitment to the students is incredible.

Other finalists in this category:

Tracy Fielding, Head Teacher, Millbrook Junior School

Tracy is dedicated, hard working and fiercely committed to the school, which resonates throughout the staff in the school. Both Tracy and the school are making a real difference.

Richard and Lyn Petty, teachers at Wrenn School

Richard & Lynn have dedicated their entire teaching careers to Wrenn School, they are both in their 36th year in the teaching profession. There contribution can never be truly quantified.

Julie Broadbent, learning resource manager at Kingsthorpe College

Julie is always happy and smiling and full of energy, greeting every student by name and welcoming them into a world of possibilities, imagination and dreams.

Carrie Saunders inclusion support officer Elizabeth Woodville school

She supports young people who need extra help to help them get the best from the school. She gives vital support to vulnerable children in the school.

The University of Northampton’s Change Maker Award 2015.

The university have introduced this award looking at all the winners from the previous categories and selected an overall winner. This winner also received £1000 to use towards educational resources.

Winner: Billing Brook School

Youth Ambitions Awards which is promoted through the Northamptonshire County Council in conjunction with Connexions Northamptonshire delivered by Horizons saw five very special trophies presented to a select few of our county's youth.

The results as follows:

Young Apprentice of the Year winner Lufuidy Paxi, 19

A business administration apprentice with the British Footwear Association and is an apprentice ambassador, giving talks to schools about the benefits of apprenticeships. Lufuidy’s manager Kevin Traynor, finance director at the British Footwear Association, said: “Lufuidy approaches every task she is given in a very mature and professional manner and is very keen to learn new skills. “She has grown in confidence and actively contributes to day-to-day developments, helping colleagues and members of the association alike. She is an inspiration to others.”

The Arts Award winner was County Youth Theatre.

The Year 7 students at the County Youth Theatre developed and performed a play called Gorgeous, which looks at issues around body image. They performed the play at a local young person’s wellbeing event and in London for International Women’s Day. Their drama teacher Nikki Taylor said: “The small cast worked in their own time rehearsing and getting to grips with the difficult topic that the play represents.

“These two performances gave the students a chance to share a very important message about body image, self-esteem and mental health, and explored ways in which they can be tackled in a positive and enlightened way.”

Project or Campaign of the Year winner was Team Phoenix, Rushden Academy.

A group of seven pupils from Rushden Academy who help to distribute surplus food from local supermarkets to food banks and night shelters on behalf of the Phoenix Resource Centre charity. The students also gathered food to send to people affected by the earthquake in Nepal and have recently launched a breakfast club to give Year 11 students taking their exams a good start to their day. John Richardson, trustee at the Phoenix Resource Centre, said: “Team Phoenix have a wonderful work ethic and work far harder than the majority of adult volunteers we see during the working week. “They are a very modest group of youngsters who won’t expect any thanks or recognition for what they do as they are just passionate about helping those in need.”

Young Role Model of the Year winners Melissa Churchill and Samuel Turner

Melissa volunteers at Kingsthorpe Library and played a key role during last summer’s reading challenge.As a result, 256 children completed the summer challenge, reading 768 books between them. She also played a key role at a Frozen-themed event at the library, where she read to almost 200 children dressed as Anna. Library manager Richard Boardman said: “Throughout this past year Mel has proven dependable and in many cases indispensible. “She is popular with the children and more impressively she is popular with the parents who are happy for their little ones to rush and play with Mel when she is in the building. “She has changed lives as these children now come to the library more regularly.” (Melissa was unable to attend the presentation evening)

Samuel, 11, has established an anti-bullying team at Sponne School after noticing that a couple of pupils were having difficulties. He identified safe places for pupils to spend their break-times and set up a helpline for them to call if they needed support. “He is hoping to extend this project to other year groups at the school. His teacher Sean Marshall said: “Sam’s real achievement has been to encourage and inspire the willing participation of other students to tackle a worthwhile cause and to have the drive and determination to make it succeed.

“That is why he is a true role model.”

The Taking Charge of Your Life Award winner Skye Wheeler.

Skye, 16, has battled a serious eye condition which resulted in numerous hospital stays and has been diagnosed with the chronic condition ME. Despite these challenges, she achieved good GCSE grades and has just started an apprenticeship as an assistant pharmacist. Her grandmother Dawn Prosser said: “Skye is learning to manage with the very little energy that her illness allows here and through the many tears and heartache she soldiered on through her GCSE exams with very good grades. “She has great tenacity and she wakes up every morning hoping she is well enough to get through her day.”

The atmosphere was electric and everyone had an enjoyable evening with a number of pupils getting up on stage with Bhangra artist Jeet Chahill and showing us their super Bhangra dance moves

A big thank you to everyone who got involved;

be it sponsoring, nominating, entering or providing support

We are already looking forward to next year!

For details of sponsorship opportunities or getting invoved in any awards ceremonies or events we do, please contact the JP Midlands Events Team 01536 506123 or email et.exhibitions@jpress.co.uk