Staff at Birchwood High School in Warrington have been recognized for their exceptional response to recent tragedies. The school’s Leadership Team was awarded the prestigious Leadership Team of the Year at the Educate Awards.
Birchwood Community High School has faced significant loss and trauma in the past year, including the tragic murder of Brianna Ghey in February 2023 and the heartbreaking loss of another student to suicide in August 2023. Despite these challenges, the senior leadership team at the school demonstrated unwavering resilience, ensuring that Birchwood remains a place of safety, support, and compassion for all students, staff, and families.
The judges were particularly impressed by the extensive emotional support provided by the leadership team, which included offering external counseling services, organizing remembrance events, and providing valuable resources to help the community cope with their grief. The team also skillfully managed difficult situations such as handling media attention and supporting Brianna’s classmates during their GCSE exams.
In response to these tragedies, Birchwood High School has implemented new mental health initiatives, such as ‘Time to Talk’ sessions, mindfulness coaching, and mentoring programs, with a special focus on supporting Year 11 students who were deeply affected by the loss of their peers.
The judges praised the senior leadership team for their strength and resilience in the face of extreme adversity, noting that they provided proactive support to the Birchwood community and implemented measures to safeguard and protect those affected by the tragic events. The team’s resolute leadership addressed the needs of the school and the wider community during these traumatic circumstances.
The Educate Awards ceremony, held at the Liverpool Cathedral, brought together over 600 guests to celebrate the achievements of educational institutions in the region. Now in its 13th year, the awards highlight excellence in education across 21 diverse categories, recognizing inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff, and strategic leadership teams who make a positive impact in their communities.
As the largest and most prestigious education awards in the region, the Educate Awards showcase the outstanding contributions of schools, colleges, and multi-academy trusts from Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester. The event is a night of celebration and recognition for those who continue to make a meaningful difference in the field of education.
