Nine winners celebrated at Mid Cheshire education awards

The annual awards aim to celebrate nurseries, schools and colleges across Mid Cheshire, championing pupils and students, teachers and tutors, and classes and teams.

Every year, we highlight everything that’s good about Mid Cheshire’s educators, shining a spotlight on innovation and best practice across the area.

Nine awards were given out to outstanding pupils and students, teachers and leaders, and classes and schools.

We were inundated with nominations from parents, pupils, colleagues, and governors in every category, and the judges had some difficult decisions to make.

Gareth Dunning, editor of the Guardian Newspaper series, said: “We were thrilled to see the Guardian Education Awards return after a successful 2025.

“Our awards aim to recognise those in the school community who do so much for our children, including those who have been battling adversity and have overcome challenges on their educational journeys.

“The judges were absolutely overwhelmed by the response to our appeal for nominations, and some extremely hard decisions had to be made.

“All of our winners should be incredibly proud of themselves for their work over the past 12 months and beyond – congratulations.”

The awards would not be possible without our sponsors – Thor UK, Tata Chemicals, and Bespak.

THE WINNERS:

Class / Team of the Year – The Head of Family team, Hartford C of E High School 

Sponsored by Bespak

The Head of Family team at Hartford C of E High School (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a class or team that deserves to be rewarded for their hard work.

It could be a sports team that has gone the extra mile, an after-school club or school choir that has carried out outstanding work in the community, or a class of primary or high school pupils that have excelled in their studies or on a special project.

Early Years Education award – S4YC St Chad's

The S4YC team at St Chads (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award goes to an early years educational team that go above and beyond to support and nurture young people.

Head Teacher of the Year – Jo Price

Weaverham Primary Academy Head Teacher, Jo Price (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award goes to an inspirational head teacher who has shown exceptional leadership, management, teaching skills and commitment to their school or college.

They provide outstanding leadership with a clear and compelling vision for success.

Primary School Teacher of the Year – Geraldine O’Marah

Primary School Teacher of the Year, Geraldine O'Marah (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a primary school teacher who inspires and engages pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential.

It recognises a teacher who helps students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to the life of their school.

Pupil of the Year - Oliwia Kotlowska

Pupil of the Year, Oliwia Kotlowska (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a young person who has applied themselves to every task and sets a good example to other pupils.

They have a fun-loving personality and are able to get along with teachers while being respectful.

This person has a sense of responsibility and can be trusted, or they play an active role in all areas of school life and are always willing to lend a hand.

School of the Year – Oak View Academy

Sponsored by Tata Chemicals

Oak View Academy Head Teacher Helen Bebbington with sponsor Grainne Patterson, of Tata Chemicals (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a school who in the opinion of the judges has had an outstanding academic year.

This may be improvements in attendance levels, parent engagement or examination results.

You may have made or built upon partnerships in the local or business community, achieved new green credentials or achieved competition success.

Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Helen Mayne

Secondary School Teacher of the Year, Helen Mayne, with her drama students (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a teacher who inspires and engages pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential.

It recognises a secondary school teacher who makes an exceptional contribution to the life of their school.

Teaching Assistant of the Year – Lynn Watkin

Teaching Assistant of the Year, Lynn Watkin (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a teaching assistant who works with students to help them realise their full potential.

It recognises someone who works as part of a team to inspire and educate every day.

Unsung Hero award – Louise Lee

Sponsored by THOR

Louise Lee, winner of the Unsung Hero award (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This award is for a member of the school community who goes under the radar, but consistently works hard to change lives and inspire.