Four local schools up for awards

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children's services

Four schools in the borough have been shortlisted in to the Greater Manchester School Awards.

Parkfield Primary, Middleton, is shortlisted in the final of the School in the Community of the Year award for the work of their Eco Team who have been on a mission to reduce energy waste and plastic use and have recently been granted green flag status in their eco drive.

Kentmere Academy, Smallbridge, is shortlisted for the Primary School of the Year award for the work of all the staff and governors who have delivered vast improvements at the school over the last five years. This work has seen them move out of special measures to their current outstanding rating from Ofsted.

Springside Special School, Rochdale, has been shortlisted for Healthy Living School of the Year for the work of their Dinosaur Class who have been working o healthy initiatives in school from mindfulness classes, daily exercise, daily teeth brushing and growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Head of PE Andrew Greaves from Cardinal Langley, Middleton, has been shortlisted for Inspirational Teacher of the Year. Nominated by students who have been taught by him for five years he is described as selfless, dedicated, engaging, industrious and patient. One student said she felt "blessed" to have been taught by him and he inspired her to become the person she is today.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “What an achievement to have four schools represented in the finals. It’s fantastic to see that schools across the borough are in a wide variety of categories and I wish them all the best. I hope that they run out worthy winners.”

The award ceremony will be hosted by Mike Toolan from Hits Radio and held at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester on 6 July 2018, where schools will celebrated and winners announced.